100 CBSE pattern model schools in Odisha this year: Minister

Odisha government today announced its plan to set up at least 100 model schools in the CBSE pattern during 2015-16 academic year even as the Centre stopped funding such projects.
The announcement was made by school and mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra 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," Mishra said.
Mishra said the state government will set up such schools from its own resources.
Stating that these model schools would be set up in all the 314 blocks in the state in a phased manner, Mishra said effort was also being made to set up model schools in non-educationally backward blocks with help of corporate houses.

Elaborating the state government's vision in regard to model schools, Mishra said each institution would have additional infrastructure like amphitheatre, mini-stadium, virtual class room and horticulture. "We will ensure that such model schools emerge as the centre of excellence in the state," Mishra said.
Replying a question by members, Mishra said these schools would have provision of reserving seats for the students belonging to schedule caste, scheduled tribe students besides reservation for girl students.

On scarcity of teachers in most of the state run schools, he said arrangements are being made to retired teachers would be roped to teach students. "At present at least 2215 retired teachers are engaged under Teachers on Call scheme," he said.

Stressing on vocational education, Mishra said students would be trained in IT and ITES and automobile trade. This facility would be available at least in one place in a block.
This apart, the minister said the state 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 9979.49 crore for school and mass education department in abscence of the opposition Congress and BJP whose members walked out in protest.