Odisha Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Scheme 2025: Rs 50 lakh cap on government grants under Scheme

Odisha Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Scheme PDF Details: - The Panchasakha Shikhya Setu scheme in Odisha, a revamped version of the previous Mo School Abhiyan initiated by the BJD government, will now be implemented under a new governing body named the Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Sangathan. This organization aims to encourage alumni and donors to contribute actively to the development of public schools across the state.

The School and Mass Education Department has released the operational guidelines for the scheme, which will be overseen by the Chief Secretary of the state. District and state-level committees, led by the Collector and the department's Secretary, respectively, will coordinate its execution. Unlike the earlier Mo School Abhiyan, which had no ceiling on contributions, the government has introduced a new rule under the renamed scheme: the matching grant provided by the government is capped at Rs 50 lakh per school, regardless of donor contributions.

What is Odisha Panchasakha Shiksha Setu Scheme

The Odisha Panchasakha Shiksha Setu Scheme is a government initiative aimed at improving public schools by involving alumni and donors in their development. Managed by the Panchasakha Shiksha Setu Sangathan, the scheme offers a government matching grant of up to ₹50 lakh per school for contributions. It honors Odisha's five legendary poets and focuses on enhancing infrastructure and education quality.

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Matching Grant Provision

• The government will contribute twice the donated amount as a matching grant.
• A maximum of Rs 50 lakh will be allocated to any single school, irrespective of the total contributions received from donors, individuals, foundations, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Government funds will only be disbursed after assessing the specific requirements of the school.

In response to concerns about substandard infrastructure under the Mo School Abhiyan, the department has mandated inspections of projects under the new scheme. The Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, Chief Secretary, or Collector, or their appointed representatives, will verify if construction and development meet quality standards.

The scheme's name, Panchasakha Shikhya Setu, pays homage to the five legendary Odia poets and statesmen: Achyutananda Das, Ananta Das, Jasobanta Das, Jagannatha Das, and Balarama Das, acknowledging their significant contributions to the state’s cultural and educational heritage. The Odisha government has allocated Rs 332 crore for the scheme for the current financial year, emphasizing its commitment to fostering educational development through collaborative efforts.

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Benefits

• Enhanced School Infrastructure: The scheme aims to improve the physical and educational infrastructure of public schools in Odisha, ensuring better learning environments for students.
• Matching Grant Support: Donor contributions are incentivized through a 2:1 matching grant from the government, up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh per school, allowing schools to secure significant funding for their development.
• Community Engagement: Alumni, individuals, organizations, and CSR foundations are encouraged to actively participate in the educational development of public schools, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
• Quality Assurance: Strict inspection protocols ensure that infrastructure and development projects meet established quality standards, addressing previous concerns about substandard work.
• Recognition of Cultural Heritage: By honoring the contributions of the five legendary Panchasakha poets and statesmen, the scheme instills a sense of pride in Odisha's rich cultural and educational legacy.
• Efficient Fund Utilization: Government contributions are only disbursed after a thorough assessment of the school's specific needs, ensuring funds are used effectively and where they are most required.
• Increased Budget Allocation: With Rs 332 crore allocated for the scheme this financial year, the initiative is set to have a broad impact on educational facilities across the state.
• Improved Access to Resources: Schools can leverage donations and government grants to provide better facilities, modern equipment, and enhanced teaching materials, directly benefiting students.
• Support for Underserved Areas: The scheme ensures that even schools in rural or underdeveloped areas receive attention and resources for their growth.
• Long-Term Development: By building strong alumni networks and encouraging community involvement, the scheme promotes sustainable development of the state’s educational system over the long term.

Summary of Odisha Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Scheme 2025

The Odisha Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Scheme 2025 aims to improve public school infrastructure and education quality through community participation. Managed by the Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Sangathan, it offers a government matching grant of up to ₹50 lakh per school. Honoring Odisha’s five legendary poets, the scheme emphasizes cultural pride, resource efficiency, and sustainable educational development.