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Odisha: BJD defends 5-T school transformation programme, hits back at CM's criticism

Bhubaneswar, Nov 15 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday defended its 5-T High School Transformation Programme against Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's criticism, citing improvements in school infrastructure and education indicators during its tenure.
In a press statement, BJD media coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty said the programme, launched under former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, covered over 8,600 government high schools at an investment of more than Rs 3,000 crore.
He said the initiative provided schools with smart classrooms, modern science laboratories, e-libraries, improved sanitation, drinking water facilities and sports infrastructure.
Citing the Centre's Performance Grading Index (PGI 2.0) for 2023-24, Mohanty said Odisha improved its national ranking in school education from 14th in 2019-20 to fifth, with a score of 595.6. The State also topped the 'Access' domain. He claimed that student retention had reached 97 per cent.
Reacting to Majhi's description of the programme as "drama" and cosmetic changes, Mohanty said the improvements in school infrastructure and education indicators reflected its contribution.
He also questioned the State government's criticism of the initiative while highlighting the 5-T governance framework in its investment promotion efforts. The BJD urged the government to build on the previous regime's initiatives, he added.
UNI MK RSA
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