Odisha Schools With Fewer Than 20 Students Will Not Reopen: Minister Nityananda Gond Clarifies Policy
On the second day of the Odisha Assembly’s winter session, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced that schools with fewer than 20 students will remain closed under the government’s new policy.
Responding to a query from MLA Prasanna Acharya, Gond emphasised that reopening decisions will be guided by district‑level committee recommendations, later reviewed by the state committee.
The minister highlighted that the previous government had shut down schools even with more than 20 students enrolled. In contrast, the current administration has already reopened 46 such institutions.
Out of five recent proposals submitted for reopening, four are under active consideration.
Officials explained that the approach balances resource allocation with student needs, ensuring quality education and efficient use of infrastructure.
By focusing on schools with adequate enrollment, the government aims to strengthen learning outcomes while optimising facilities across the state.
