Two Boards, One System in Transition
For decades, Odisha’s school education system has been overseen by two distinct bodies: the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), which manages curriculum and examinations for Classes I to X, and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), which supervises Classes XI and XII. In a landmark step, the state government has now resolved to merge both boards into a single unified entity, with the aim of modernising governance, ensuring greater consistency, and aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Government’s Decision and Rationale
The decision came during a high-level review meeting of the School and Mass Education Department chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Officials concluded that operating two separate boards often created administrative overlaps and academic disconnects. A unified board, they argued, would streamline processes, provide cohesive curriculum design, and make transitions smoother for students moving from secondary to higher secondary levels.
Benefits of the Proposed Merger
Educationists note that the merger could deliver several long-term advantages:
· Uniform Standards: A single board ensures curriculum continuity, reducing confusion among students and teachers.
· Simplified Administration: Centralised management will cut bureaucratic delays and duplication of efforts.
· Stronger Accountability: With one body responsible for oversight, monitoring performance and reforms becomes easier.
· Better NEP Alignment: Integration supports the NEP-2020 vision of a holistic school system, bridging secondary and higher secondary education seamlessly.
For students and parents, this could mean greater clarity, reduced stress during transitions, and enhanced academic quality.
Additional Student-Centric Reforms
Alongside the merger, the government announced several student-focused initiatives:
· Free Textbooks for All: Earlier restricted to SC/ST students, free textbooks will now be provided to all students of Classes IX and X, complementing the existing scheme for Classes I to VIII.
· Strengthening Health in Hostels: To improve student welfare in residential schools, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) or multipurpose health workers will be deployed at a ratio of one for every 300 students.
· Online School Approvals: The establishment of new private schools will move to a fully digital approval system, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Focus on Inclusivity and Language
Recognising the importance of language in learning, the CM underscored mother tongue-based education for tribal children. A Multilingual Education Centre will be set up in Koraput with SCSTRTI’s support, aimed at developing teaching resources in tribal languages.
For differently-abled students, B.Ed-qualified special educators will be appointed as cluster resource persons to provide targeted support. Additionally, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will be upgraded in line with NCERT, and the Textbook Publication Directorate will be further strengthened.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
One of Odisha’s biggest challenges remains a shortage of teachers. The CM announced a recruitment drive of 44,433 teachers over the next three years, including 15,000 annually, to fill vacancies and meet NEP-prescribed requirements. With over 5,000 posts set to fall vacant by December due to retirements, the decision reflects a proactive effort to strengthen primary and secondary education infrastructure.
Towards a Unified, Inclusive Education System
The merger of BSE and CHSE signals Odisha’s intent to create a cohesive, student-friendly education framework. By pairing structural reforms with welfare initiatives—free textbooks, health workers, inclusive education, and mass teacher recruitment—the state is positioning itself for a transformative shift in school education. If implemented effectively, the move could not only reduce systemic inefficiencies but also make Odisha a model for integrated, equitable, and future-ready schooling.
(With agency inputs)
