100 CBSE pattern model schools in Odisha this yr

The State Government on Wednesday announced that at least 100 model schools in the CBSE pattern would be set up during 2015-16 academic year.

School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra made this announcement while replying the debate on the Demand Discussion in the Assembly.

"We are trying to set up 100 CBSE pattern model schools this year in educationally backward blocks despite the Centre's denial of funds for such projects," he said, adding that these schools would be set up in all the 314 blocks in a phased manner.

Each model school would have amphitheatre, mini-stadium, virtual class room and horticulture besides normal infrastructure, he said. These schools would have reservation provision for the schedule caste and scheduled tribe and girl students. On scarcity of teachers in most of the State-run schools, he said arrangements are being made to appoint retired teachers to teach students.

This apart, the Minister said the Government has decided to set up 130 number of 100-bed hostels for the students in educationally backward blocks. The House passed an amount of Rs 10014.38 crore for School and Mass Education Department in the absence of the Opposition Congress and BJP whose members walked out in protest.