Bhubaneswar: Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School & Mass Education (S&ME) chaired a high-level virtual review meeting today to assess the preparedness of the education department for the impending cyclonic storm ‘MONTHA’.
The meeting included eight District Education Officers (DEOs) and Departmental Directors from the districts deemed vulnerable to the storm’s impact.
In light of the severe weather warnings associated with the possible cyclonic storm ‘MONTHA’, the government has announced a three-day holiday for all schools in eight potentially impacted districts.
All government, government-aided, and private schools in these eight districts will remain closed on October 28, 29, and 30. This precautionary measure is intended to ensure the safety of students and allow for the preparation and activation of school buildings as temporary cyclone shelters.
The primary agenda focused on ensuring the safety of students and the readiness of school buildings designated as cyclone shelters. Dr. Naik stressed the importance of swift action and meticulous planning at the grassroots level. He directed all DEOs to conduct immediate inspections of these shelter schools to ensure they are fully stocked and equipped.
Furthermore, the leave of all officers and employees working under the School and Public Education Department in the specified eight districts has been immediately cancelled.
All staff members are directed to report for duty to assist the district administrations with cyclone preparedness, relief work, and the management of evacuation shelters. These personnel will play a critical role in managing the relief camps and ensuring essential services are provided to the evacuated population.
Key directives issued during the meeting included verifying the availability of essential provisions like dry rations, clean drinking water, and functional power backup facilities in all shelter schools.
S&ME Secretary Dr.Naik underscored that these institutions must be ready to serve as safe havens for evacuated citizens. Further, the officials were instructed to coordinate closely with District Collectors to decide on the timely suspension of classes and to initiate the evacuation process wherever necessary.
The goal is to enforce a zero-casualty mandate and minimize damage to critical infrastructure. The department is also working on a quick restoration plan to ensure academic activities resume immediately after the cyclone passes.