Over 1,500 Schools in Odisha Still Without Electricity, 114 Lack Toilets: Minister

On the second day of the Odisha Assembly’s winter session, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond presented a detailed account of infrastructure and staffing challenges across government schools in the state.

To begin with, the minister informed the House that 1,289 primary schools and 290 upper primary schools still lack electricity connections. Moreover, out of the total 48,522 government schools in Odisha, 114 schools do not have toilet facilities, raising serious concerns about basic amenities for students.

In addition, Gond addressed questions on staffing and revealed significant shortages in Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs). Out of 315 principal posts, 261 remain vacant. Furthermore, 185 vice‑principal positions are unfilled. He also noted that 883 PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) and 665 TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) posts remain vacant across 30 districts.

Consequently, the minister emphasised that the government recognises these gaps and is actively working on measures to strengthen infrastructure and fill vacancies. He assured the Assembly that steps will be taken to improve facilities and deliver quality education in both primary schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas.

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