A significant step towards strengthening grassroots education in Odisha was taken today with the launch of the “Bidhayak Medha Samman” programme during a one-day Headmasters’ Conclave–2025 in the Dhamnagar area of Bhadrak district.

The initiative aims to enhance the quality of education, reduce school dropout rates, and encourage students, teachers, and schools that demonstrate excellence.

Higher Education Minister Outlines Vision

Higher Education Minister and Dhamnagar MLA Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who inaugurated the programme, elaborated on its objectives and vision. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that the initiative seeks to bring transformative changes in the education sector at the grassroots level.

He noted that after the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focused efforts are being made in Dhamnagar to improve overall enrolment, reduce dropout rates, and recognise meritorious students, headmasters, and schools.

Describing teachers as the architects of society, Shri Suraj stressed their vital role in shaping the future of the next generation. “Alongside building strong infrastructure and ensuring quality education, it is equally important to motivate teachers and students,” he said.

Awards to Recognize Excellence

The Bidhayak Medha Samman programme has been designed to reward academic excellence and institutional performance. Awards will be presented in four categories:

1. Student Awards

• Rs 5,000 for each student securing A1 grade in Class 10th Board Examinations

• Rs 5,000 for students honoured under Mukhyamantri Siksha Puraskar

• Rs 5,000 for students recognised under the Surabhi programme

• Rs 5,000 for state-level Science Exhibition awardees

• Rs 5,000 for students excelling in state-level sports and cultural competitions

2. Headmaster Awards

• Rs 10,000 to the headmaster of the school with the highest number of A1 grades

• Rs 10,000 to the headmaster of the school with the most students honoured under Mukhyamantri Siksha Puraskar

• Rs 10,000 to the headmaster of a school reducing dropout rate compared to a one-year baseline

• Rs 10,000 to the headmaster of the school with highest enrolment in an academic year

3. Best Performing School Award

One school demonstrating effective NEP 2020 implementation, teacher and student attendance, and academic performance will be awarded Rs 15 lakh.

4. Best School for Dropout Reduction

One primary or secondary school achieving a 25% reduction in dropout rate or a 15% increase in enrolment compared to the previous year will also receive Rs 15 lakh.

Evaluation and Monitoring

A selection committee will evaluate schools based on NEP 2020 implementation, infrastructure development, effectiveness of educational schemes, and overall performance. Awards will be conferred based on the committee’s recommendations and the Higher Education Minister’s final decision.

Schools will be reviewed every four months, with dropout rates and enrolment tracked via an online dashboard. An annual “Dhamnagar Education Progress Report” will also be published.

Experts Appreciate Initiative

Eminent educationist Prof. Ranjana Arora from NCERT attended the programme as a distinguished guest. She lauded Odisha Government’s efforts in educational development, including teacher capacity building and NEP 2020 implementation, and provided guidance to headmasters on reducing dropout rates and improving enrolment.

Officials Present

The programme was attended by Bhadrak Collector Shri Dilip Kumar Routray, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad Shri Shubendu Kumar Samal, Sub-Collector Shri Saurabh Chakraborty, District Education Officer Shri Jagabandhu Sahu, and other senior officials.

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