Union minister for human resource development M M Pallam Raju, on Tuesday, stressed on giving proper shape to the 52 new higher educational institutes which were opened during the eleventh five year plan.
Higher educational institutes launched during the 11th Plan included 20 central universities, seven new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), ten more National Institutes of Technology (NITs) etc.
The 52 new institutes have not taken proper shape yet. In the 12th plan, we will consolidate these institutes started in the last five year plan. If funds are available, we would certainly consider opening a IIM in Odisha, Raju told media persons here.
On opening of more Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state, he said, enough funds are not available for the 12th five year plan. The moment there is some improvement in the fund position, priority will be given to educationally backward areas, he maintained.
Raju was here to attend the convocation ceremonies of the Central University and Ravenshaw University.
For improving the quality of teachers, the government is contemplating to start schools on teachers training in the central universities, he said.
He informed that between 2009 and 2013, the Union government has provided Rs 6,488.77 crore to Odisha under various schemes for school children. This included Rs 3,791.60 crore for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rs 1,699.50 crore for mid-day meal scheme, Rs 682.40 crore for Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan etc. The minister said, out of the total number of 92,337 teacher posts sanctioned under SSA in 2012-13, 79,936 teachers have been appointed and steps are being taken to fill up the rest posts during the current year.
Similarly, 8,946 primary schools have been opened in the state against the sanction of 9,843 schools and out of 11,321 upper primary schools sanctioned, 10,797 schools are already operational.
The central government is also providing assistance for introduction of information communication technology in 6,000 schools in Odisha, he added.
