Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday launched Mission Suvidya to ensure quality norms in basic facilities in ST-SC Development Department hostels.

It will ensure facilities such as safe building, functional toilets, safe drinking water, proper kitchen and dining in the hostels.

The ST-SC Development Department on Wednesday signed three agreements, one with Quality Council of India (QCI), second with Akshara Foundation and the third with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).

The QCI will conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of ST-SC hostels leading to quality assurance and quality sustenance with an objective to achieve ISO 9001: 2015 certification for these hostels, said a statement from Chief Ministers' Office (CMO).

Another MoU was signed with Akshara Foundation, which will cooperate and collaborate with the Department to improve learning outcomes of the students.

It has developed specific programmes like school readiness programme for Grade-I students, classroom/hostel library programme, digital learning solutions and other programmes, the statement said.

The scope of the programme will cover all schools with primary sections under purview of the department in a phased manner benefitting more than two lakh students in the first phase.

On the other hand, TRIFED will ensure market linkages to various products produced by tribal artisans and tribal entrepreneurs.

"I am very happy to launch Mission Suvidya that aims at bringing qualitative shift in accommodation facilities provided to students in ST-SC hostels. The mission has a maximum laid down standard for assuring and sustaining quality with an objective to achieve ISO certification," said the Chief Minister.

The ST-SC Development Department runs as many as 6,500 hostels with over 5.7 lakh students.

"Mission Suvidya will provide a congenial atmosphere to all the inmates in a phased manner. It will guarantee quality services in safety and security, health, hygiene, and food provisions for the students. I believe these complementary provisions will enable the students to focus better on their studies," said the Chief Minister.

"I am glad that the Quality Council of India has joined hands with the state government to ensure quality certification to the hostels. The partnership with Akshara Foundation for up-scaling quality in learning outcomes, and with TRIFED for providing market linkages to tribal producers are also very encouraging," he added.