Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has revealed plans to establish 18 new degree colleges, with the academic year set to witness their commencement. The decision comes after Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak shared that the move is in response to suggestions gathered during 5T chairman VK Pandian’s visits to various regions.
Minister Nayak highlighted the government’s proactive approach to addressing the faculty shortage in colleges, announcing the appointment of 1,056 lecturers through the Staff Selection Board in the coming week. In the 2022-23 academic year, 467 lecturers were appointed, and in 2023-24, the number rose to 1,033.
Odisha has witnessed significant growth in its education sector, with the number of degree colleges soaring from 548 in 2000 to 1,040 today. The state’s universities have also expanded from 5 to 24, including 17 government and 7 private institutions. Additionally, 21 research centers of excellence have been established.
To enhance the learning environment, the government has equipped colleges with smart classrooms and laboratories. Several student-centric initiatives, such as e-scholarship, Byasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti, Gopabandhu Siksha Sahayata Yojana, and Kalinga Siksha Sathi, have been introduced.
Minister Nayak outlined various student-centric schemes, including Biju Yuva Empowerment Yojana, Green Passage Yojana, and free civil service coaching, aimed at fostering student welfare and empowerment.