Odisha Special Schools Management Association welcomes government's decision to bring changes in rules for effective management of special schools

Bhubaneswar (Abhishek Mohanty): The Odisha government has proposed changes to the rules governing special schools, aiming to bring transparency and accountability in their management. The decision was welcomed by the Odisha Special Schools Management Association.  

General Secretary of the Association K Ananda Rao said, "The proposed changes seek to address issues related to funding and management of these schools. This will go a long way ensuring that the grants are utilized properly for the benefit of students. The Association has urged the state government to expedite the implementation of these changes."

Rao highlighted, "The special schools started functioning in the state from 1985. The guidelines issued by the government for better management of the special schools in 1985, 2013 and 2022 states that all the grants will be given to the voluntary organisations engaged for managing these schools. Unfortunately, due to some political interferences, the grant was given to the District Social Welfare Officers and District Social Security Officers. Later, it was handed over to the district offices. Such irregularities came to the notice of the Finance Department, the state government directed the the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department to monitor and ensure the timely payment of employees."

The Association has also clarified that the proposed changes will not affect the service conditions, promotions, or salaries of employees working in these schools. The employees will continue to be governed by the rules and regulations applicable to them.