Odisha to Develop 49 Schools as Heritage Schools, with Detailed Project Reports Already Prepared for 13 Institutions

Bhubaneswar: Aug 1 [UDN}:The Odisha government has launched the Heritage School Scheme to preserve and upgrade the state’s oldest schools that have completed 100 years of existence. A total of 49 schools have been identified under the scheme.
A private agency was entrusted with preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the selected schools. After conducting site visits, the agency has submitted feasibility reports for 13 schools. The implementation of the project has been assigned to the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC).
OBCC has written to the District Collectors, who also serve as Chairpersons of the District-Level Committees (DLCs), regarding the progress of the project.
According to the letter, feasibility DPRs have been prepared for seven schools in Cuttack district:
Pyari Mohan Academy
Bhakta Madhu Vidyapitha
Ravenshaw Collegiate School
B.K. Vidyapitha
Mohan Subuddhi High School
Kalibazar Government Girls’ High School
Ranihat High School
Additionally, DPRs have been prepared for:
Sharada Academy Government High School and B.B. Government High School, Kujang (Jagatsinghpur)
BJB High School (Khordha)
District School, Puri
Kendrapara High School (Kendrapara)
Around ₹4 Crore to Be Spent Per School
District-Level Committees formed under the Panchasakha Shiksha Setu Sangathan have been instructed to hold meetings to review the DPRs and verify whether the estimated cost remains within the approved ceiling of ₹3.92 crore per school, including all expenses, as sanctioned by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).
Major Upgradation Plans
The scheme aims to improve both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of these historic institutions while preserving their heritage value. Planned works include:
Upgradation of school infrastructure
Construction of galleries
Alumni halls
Multipurpose auditoriums
Up to three new classrooms, as per approved norms
Renovation of up to three existing classrooms
Conservation and protection of old heritage buildings
Landscaping and campus beautification
Internal roads, ramps, paving, and green spaces
Boundary walls and sports infrastructure
Documentation of each school’s rich history through audio-visual and print media
The initiative is intended to modernize century-old schools while safeguarding their historical and cultural significance for future generations.