Seven Odisha Education Officials Honored Nationally for Innovative Learning Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: A total of seven education officials from Odisha have received the esteemed National Awards for Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration, presented by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) based in New Delhi.

This recognition was awarded to the officials for their creative initiatives and substantial efforts in enhancing educational administration and the quality of school education.

The awards were conferred during the National Conference on Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration, held in New Delhi.

This national acknowledgment highlights the inventive strategies implemented by education administrators aimed at improving learning outcomes, ensuring school safety, boosting student retention, and enhancing the delivery of educational services.

Among the recipients, Sasmita Sahoo, Joint Director of OSEPA in Bhubaneswar, was recognized for her initiative titled “FLN Summer Course,” which focuses on reinforcing foundational literacy and numeracy for children through structured and engaging activities during the summer months.

Dr. Radhakanta Gartia, the District Education Officer-cum-DPC of Jharsuguda, received an award for “Udiyaan Tara – An Initiative to Improve Learning Outcomes among School Students in Jharsuguda District,” which aims to enhance students’ learning through targeted academic interventions and effective monitoring.

Dr. Mayadhar Sahoo, District Education Officer of Gajapati, was awarded for his initiative “Prayas @ Super 30 Gajapati,” which provides dedicated academic support and opportunities for talented students to excel in competitive exams and pursue higher education.

Sabita Sahoo, ADEO of Jajpur, was honored for her initiative “School Safety Corridor: A Way of Life and a State of Mind,” which promotes safety awareness and preparedness within school communities.

Srikanta Behera, ADEO of Keonjhar, received recognition for the “Reading Tournament and DEAR Programme,” designed to foster reading habits and cultivate a robust culture of reading among students.

Sebashree Bhoi, ADEO of Balangir, was acknowledged for “Mission Zero Dropout at Dhankauda Block in Sambalpur District,” which focuses on identifying at-risk children and ensuring their continued participation in education.

Trilochan Sahoo, Planning Coordinator of Samagra Shiksha in Jajpur, received an award for “Implementation of Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy through Creation of School Safety Wall,” an initiative aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and school safety through community engagement and visual communication.

Dr. N Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department in Odisha, congratulated the awardees and commended their valuable contributions. He remarked that the national recognition of these officials is a source of pride for Odisha, showcasing the state’s ongoing commitment to improving school education administration, fostering innovation, and achieving better educational outcomes.