Seven education officials from Odisha have been conferred with the prestigious National Awards for Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, in recognition of their innovative initiatives and significant contributions to strengthening educational administration and improving the quality of school education.
The awards were presented during the National Conference on Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration and Award Function, organised by NIEPA in New Delhi. The national recognition acknowledges innovative practices undertaken by education administrators to improve learning outcomes, promote school safety, enhance student retention and strengthen the delivery of educational services.
Among the awardees, Smt. Sasmita Sahoo, Joint Director, OSEPA, Bhubaneswar, was recognised for her innovation “FLN Summer Course”, aimed at 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, received the award for “Udiyaan Tara – An Initiative to Improve Learning Outcomes among School Students in Jharsuguda District”, which focuses on improving students’ learning outcomes through targeted academic interventions and effective educational monitoring.
Dr. Mayadhar Sahoo, DEO, Gajapati, was recognised for “Prayas @ Super 30 Gajapati”, an initiative providing focused academic support and opportunities to meritorious students to excel in competitive examinations and pursue higher education.
Sabita Sahoo, ADEO, Jajpur, received the national recognition for “School Safety Corridor: A Way of Life and a State of Mind”, an initiative aimed at promoting awareness, preparedness and a strong culture of safety among students and school communities.
Srikanta Behera, ADEO, Keonjhar, was honoured for the “Reading Tournament and DEAR Programme”, which seeks to promote reading habits and nurture a strong culture of reading among school students.
Sebashree Bhoi, ADEO, Balangir, was recognised for “Mission Zero Dropout at Dhankauda Block in Sambalpur District”, an initiative focused 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”, an initiative aimed at strengthening 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 awardees and appreciated their contributions. He said, The national recognition of these seven officials is a matter of pride for Odisha and reflects the State’s continued efforts towards strengthening school education administration, encouraging innovation and ensuring better educational outcomes.
These initiatives demonstrate how innovative and need-based interventions at the field level can bring meaningful improvements in the school education system.
