In a significant push towards educational inclusion, Odisha has been identified as one of the key pilot states under a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Education aimed at mainstreaming out-of-school children. 

The programme, which places strong emphasis on states like Odisha alongside others including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, seeks to reintegrate children, especially in the 14–18 age group, into the education system through coordinated efforts of the Centre, State Governments, district administrations and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

The high-level review meeting, chaired by Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Sanjay Kumar, underscored that Odisha and other pilot states will play a crucial role in the first phase of implementation, where 10 districts across the country will be selected for intensive rollout. 

The initiative is being designed as a mission-mode programme to address the persistent challenge of school dropouts and children remaining outside formal education, while also strengthening flexible learning pathways through open schooling systems.

According to data presented in the meeting, out of every 100 children entering Class I, only about 62 reach Class XII. Additionally, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) estimates indicate that more than two crore children in the 14–18 age group are currently out of school across India. 

Officials noted that economic hardship, domestic responsibilities, and livelihood pressures remain major reasons behind children dropping out of the education system.

The Ministry emphasized that while the primary objective is to reintegrate children into formal schooling, those unable to return will be supported through alternative learning pathways such as the National Institute of Open Schooling (National Institute of Open Schooling) and State Open Schools under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mechanisms. 

District administrations in Odisha and other pilot states have been assigned a central role in identifying out-of-school children, ensuring enrolment, and supporting retention through coordinated local-level action.

Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Prachi Pandey, stated that the initiative will be implemented in a data-driven and mission-mode framework with strong focus on last-mile outreach. She highlighted that convergence between state departments, district administrations, and local bodies will be critical for ensuring accurate identification and successful enrolment of out-of-school children. Preparatory steps, including deployment of facilitators, surveys, starter kits, and preliminary enrolment drives, will be undertaken before formal rollout.

NIOS Chairperson Prof. Akhilesh Mishra described the initiative as a people-centric movement aimed at educational inclusion, stressing that it is designed to reconnect children and adolescents with learning opportunities. A detailed operational framework presented by NIOS Secretary Col. Shakeel Ahmad included app-based tracking systems, facilitator deployment, incentive mechanisms, and district-level monitoring structures to ensure effective implementation.

The Centre has confirmed that Odisha, along with other selected states, will be part of the first phase of implementation across 10 districts nationwide. Based on performance and field feedback, the programme will later be expanded across the country. Memoranda of Commitment will be signed with participating states to formalize coordination and execution.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve among the Centre, Odisha and other participating states to ensure that no child is left outside the education system, and that every child is provided access to education, skills, and a pathway to a dignified future.