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Bhubaneswar, Oct 27 (IANS) The School and Mass Education Department of the Odisha government on Monday announced closure of all schools in eight southern districts from October 28 to 30 in view of the impending cyclone ‘Montha’ and heavy rains due to its impact.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education Department N. In an official letter issued by Thirumala Naik, all government, government-aided and private schools in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangapur districts will remain closed for three days from October 28 to 30 as a precautionary measure.
However, the letter also said that the district administration, wherever required, can deploy teachers and staff for cyclone management and relief operations. The department also directed that the District Education Officer (DEO) will act as the nodal officer and coordinate with the district administration for all measures related to the cyclone.
Similarly, leaves of all employees under the department in the above areas have been canceled till further notice. School buildings can be used as shelter sites by the district administration if necessary.
According to the letter issued by the department, the DEO has been directed to be in touch with state-level directors as and when required for immediate decision-making and coordination. The department asked field level officials to ensure that power supply to classrooms and other school buildings should be switched off as a safety measure.
After the cyclone passes, school authorities should ensure restoration and proper management of equipment and properties. In case of any damage to school property, headmasters have been instructed to assess it and report to the DEO. In turn, the DEO will have to report the extent of the damage to the District Collector and the concerned departmental directors.
The SME department also directed that the rice used under the PM Nutrition (Midday Meal) Scheme for Children can be used for relief operations, if necessary. The office of the Special Relief Commissioner will subsequently reimburse such usage.
It further said that all directorates under the department will have to operate 24-hour control rooms and maintain close contact with the DEO. The School and Mass Education Department will also run a 24-hour control room at the state level.
The department has urged all officers and field functionaries to remain alert and prepared at the district level to ensure effective implementation of safety and relief measures during and after the cyclone.
–IANS
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