Odisha to Form Unified Education Board, Fill 44,000 Teaching Posts Under NEP

Bhubaneswar: In a major education reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the Odisha Government has decided to establish a unified education board by merging the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE).

Announcing the decision on Friday, School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said employees will be appointed as per the new board’s regulations, while the location of its office — either in Cuttack or Bhubaneswar — is yet to be finalized.

Alongside the restructuring, the state government has also approved the regularization of schematic primary teachers. Under the NEP framework, 44,433 teaching posts will be filled over the next three years, with 15,000 appointments to be made each year. Additionally, Sishu Sevikas will be appointed in 45,000 primary schools across Odisha.

To strengthen student support, the government has announced free textbooks for Class 9 and 10 students in government and aided schools. Addressing health concerns in hostels, the department also plans to appoint one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) for every 300 students, the Minister added.