Suvidya Mission launched to improve basic services at ST-SC hostels

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday launched Mission Suvidya at Lok Seva Bhawan here.

It will ensure quality norms in basic facilities such as safe building, functional toilets, safe drinking water, proper kitchen and dining in ST-SC Development Department hostels.

The department on Wednesday signed three agreements, one with Quality Council of India (QCI), second with Akshara Foundation and the third with TRIFED.

The QCI will conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of ST-SC hostels leading to Quality Assurance and Quality Sustenance with an objective to achieve ISO 9001: 2015 certification for these hostels.

QCI DG S R.P. Singh and Tribal Affairs Director Sachin Yadav signed the agreement.

Another MoU was signed between Akshara Foundation CEO Ashok Kamath and Sachin Yadav. Akshara Foundation will cooperate and collaborate with the Department to improve the learning outcomes of the students.

It has developed specific programmes like School Readiness Programme for Grade 1 Students, Classroom/ Hostel Library Programme, digital Learning Solutions and other programmes.

The scope of the programme will cover all schools with primary sections under the purview of the department in a phased manner benefitting more than two lakh students in the first phase.

The third MoU was signed between Amit Bhatnagar of TRIFED and TDCCOL MD Sarat Mohanty to ensure market linkages to various products produced by tribal artisans and tribal entrepreneurs.

“I am very happy to launch Mission Suvidya that aims at bringing qualitative shift in accommodation facilities provided to students in ST-SC hostels. The mission has a maximum laid down the standard for assuring and sustaining quality with an objective to achieve ISO certification,” said the Chief Minister.

He informed that the ST-SC Development Department runs as many as 6500 hostels with over 5.7 lakh students.

“Mission Suvidya will provide a congenial atmosphere to all the inmates in a phased manner. It will guarantee quality services in safety and security, health, hygiene, and food provisions for the students. I believe these complementary provisions will enable the students to focus better on their studies,” said Patnaik.

The CM launched the logo and unveiled the dashboard of the Suvidya Mission. A short video on the mission was screened.

The CM also released two illustrative booklets on Bathudi and Gandia community.