Bhubaneswar: Seven education officials from Odisha have received the National Awards for Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration from the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi.
The awards were presented at the National Conference on Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration and Award Function organised by NIEPA in New Delhi.
The national recognition honours innovative initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes, promoting school safety, enhancing student retention and strengthening the delivery of educational services.
Sasmita Sahoo, Joint Director, Odisha School Education Programme Authority, Bhubaneswar, received the award for her initiative “FLN Summer Course”.
The programme focuses on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy among children through structured and engaging learning activities during the summer period.
Dr Radhakanta Gartia, District Education Officer-cum-DPC, Jharsuguda, was recognised for “Udiyaan Tara – An Initiative to Improve Learning Outcomes among School Students in Jharsuguda District”.
The initiative focuses on improving students’ learning outcomes through targeted academic interventions and effective educational monitoring.
Dr Mayadhar Sahoo, DEO, Gajapati, received the award for “Prayas @ Super 30 Gajapati”. The initiative provides focused academic support and opportunities to meritorious students to excel in competitive examinations and pursue higher education.
Sabita Sahoo, ADEO, Jajpur, was recognised for “School Safety Corridor: A Way of Life and a State of Mind”. The initiative promotes awareness, preparedness and a strong culture of safety among students and school communities.
Srikanta Behera, ADEO, Keonjhar, received the national award for the “Reading Tournament and DEAR Programme”. The initiative seeks to promote reading habits and develop a strong reading culture among school students.
Sebashree Bhoi, ADEO, Balangir, was honoured for “Mission Zero Dropout at Dhankauda Block in Sambalpur District”. The initiative focuses on identifying children at risk of dropping out and ensuring their retention and continued participation in school education.
Trilochan Sahoo, Planning Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, Jajpur, received the award for “Implementation of Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy through Creation of School Safety Wall”.
The initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and school safety through awareness, visual communication, and community participation.
Dr N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School & Mass Education Department, Odisha, congratulated the seven awardees and appreciated their contributions.
He said the national recognition of the seven officials was a matter of pride for Odisha. He added that the initiatives reflected the state’s efforts to strengthen school education administration, encourage innovation, and improve educational outcomes.
According to him, the initiatives also demonstrate how innovative and need-based interventions at the field level can bring meaningful improvements to the school education system.
