The textbook distribution initiative is aimed at helping affected students continue their education without facing further difficulties. Many children lost their books and other essential study materials when floodwaters damaged homes and educational facilities.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the government had spoken to the Secretary of the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) to arrange the supply of fresh textbooks for the affected students.
The decision is expected to provide relief to children whose studies have been disrupted by the natural disaster.
School Infrastructure Damage Under Assessment
Alongside the textbook distribution plan, the department is focusing on restoring damaged educational infrastructure. Reports from the District Education Officers will help authorities understand the condition of affected school buildings and identify the repair work required.
The scale of the damage in Ganjam is significant. According to a preliminary assessment by the district administration, 498 schools out of approximately 3,900 primary, upper primary and high schools in the district suffered damage following the floods.
The assessment also found that 1,032 classrooms and the boundary walls of 215 schools were affected.
Focus on Restoring Normal Academic Activities
The government’s immediate priority is to restore damaged school facilities and ensure that affected children have access to essential learning materials.
The damage assessment process will help determine the repair requirements in Ganjam and Gajapati. The provision of replacement textbooks is another important step towards reducing the academic disruption caused by the cyclone and subsequent floods.
With the Odisha School and Mass Education Department taking steps towards infrastructure restoration and textbook distribution, attention is now on helping students return to regular academic activities.
The ongoing Odisha school repair efforts, along with the supply of fresh textbooks, are expected to support the recovery of education facilities and benefit students in the affected districts.
