Berhampur: To enhance extracurricular activities like writing and debating skills of students, the Kandhamal district administration launched a new programme, Gyana Samrudhhi, on Saturday.
Initially, around 33,000 students from classes III to X in 261 residential schools under mass education and SC and ST welfare departments are likely to benefit from the initiative.

A set of 10 books was provided per 20 students, which included English grammar, general knowledge and essays in Odia and English, among others. “Different competitions like debate, essay writing, and elocution will be held among the students every week. The competitions will be held beyond school hours,” said Rabindra Kumar Mishra, district welfare officer (DWO), who will monitor the programme.
He said the programme was the brainchild of Kandhamal collector Amrit Ruturaj who wanted to enhance the writing and speaking skills and general knowledge of the students. “Most of the students in Kandhamal lacked writing, speaking skills, and general knowledge, which prevented them from competing in national competitive exams,” said Mishra.
“We have categorised two groups of students: from classes III to VII (junior) and classes VIII to X (senior), and accordingly, the book sets were provided,” said Mishra. The books will be kept under the custody of a teacher in school, who will distribute and collect them from the students.
He said the book sets were procured as per the recommendation of an expert team of the district administration constituted by the collector for the purpose.
“Distribution of the books started in several schools on Saturday. Students have been advised to read the books during their leisure time without hampering their regular studies,” said Satyajit Das, assistant DWO.
Berhampur: To enhance extracurricular activities like writing and debating skills of students, the Kandhamal district administration launched a new programme, Gyana Samrudhhi, on Saturday.
Initially, around 33,000 students from classes III to X in 261 residential schools under mass education and SC and ST welfare departments are likely to benefit from the initiative.
A set of 10 books was provided per 20 students, which included English grammar, general knowledge and essays in Odia and English, among others. “Different competitions like debate, essay writing, and elocution will be held among the students every week. The competitions will be held beyond school hours,” said Rabindra Kumar Mishra, district welfare officer (DWO), who will monitor the programme.
He said the programme was the brainchild of Kandhamal collector Amrit Ruturaj who wanted to enhance the writing and speaking skills and general knowledge of the students. “Most of the students in Kandhamal lacked writing, speaking skills, and general knowledge, which prevented them from competing in national competitive exams,” said Mishra.
“We have categorised two groups of students: from classes III to VII (junior) and classes VIII to X (senior), and accordingly, the book sets were provided,” said Mishra. The books will be kept under the custody of a teacher in school, who will distribute and collect them from the students.
He said the book sets were procured as per the recommendation of an expert team of the district administration constituted by the collector for the purpose.
“Distribution of the books started in several schools on Saturday. Students have been advised to read the books during their leisure time without hampering their regular studies,” said Satyajit Das, assistant DWO.