Odisha's School Facilities to Undergo Renovation; Opposition Disapproves of New Saffron Colour Scheme

Synopsis

On March 6, the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, introduced a new colour code for government schools, mandating all District Collectors to ensure its implementation. The change, affecting PM Shri Schools as well, has faced criticism from opposition parties.

Key Takeaways

New colour code for Odisha government schools.
Transition to orange and red shades.
Opposition parties express discontent.
Uniformity mandated across all institutions.
Changes extend to student uniforms and school designs.

Bhubaneswar, March 6 (NationPress) The administration led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in Odisha has sanctioned a fresh colour palette for government educational institutions and has instructed all District Collectors to execute these modifications. This revamp will also encompass PM Shri Schools, which will transition from their existing colours to shades of orange and red. This initiative has not been welcomed by the opposition factions within the state.

The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has communicated guidelines to all District Collectors to guarantee a standardized colour scheme across all government educational facilities.

An official correspondence from the State Project Director of OSEPA states that the exterior walls of government schools will be adorned in orange, accented with red borders, ensuring a cohesive appearance across all establishments.

“It is requested to issue appropriate directives to relevant field operatives for the adoption of the sanctioned colour scheme in all government schools, including PM Shri schools, during construction, maintenance, and renovation activities.

“This memorandum will supersede all earlier directives regarding the colour code of school infrastructures,” the letter asserts.

Previously, the Odisha government had also mandated a change in the secondary school uniform from white and green, colours associated with the 24-year governance of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), to maroon and clay bake yellow.

In light of the new governmental changes, numerous public institutions throughout Odisha are experiencing colour shifts.

Last October, the Works Department mandated that government office buildings be painted saffron. Now, in line with this initiative, all government educational buildings will also adopt the saffron hue.

Upon assuming power in Odisha, the BJP government initially ordered a colour change for the Location Accessible Multi-Modal Initiative (LAccMI) buses, which provide public transportation services.

This decision has ignited discussions, with opposition voices asserting that the ruling BJP is usurping the programs and colours established by the former BJD administration.

The government has insisted that these changes are part of its strategy to rejuvenate and restructure existing public services in a modernized format.

In addition to the repainting of school facilities, student uniforms and other school-related aspects will also undergo design and colour modifications.

In response to the opposition’s scrutiny regarding this matter, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo remarked, “They (BJD) are daydreaming even while awake. They couldn't fulfill Biju Babu's vision, and now they are dreaming about the actions of the Mohan Majhi government. What can we say about this?”