Bhubaneswar: In a major stride toward expanding educational opportunities in Odisha, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj inaugurated 14 new Government Degree colleges across eight districts via video conferencing on Friday.
The newly launched colleges are located in some of the most underserved areas, including Tiring (Mayurbhanj), Thuamul Rampur (Kalahandi), Gurundia and Nuagaon (Sundargarh), Bandhugaon and Narayanpatna (Koraput), Jharigaon, Kosagumuda, Raighar, and Tentulikhunti (Nabarangpur), Kashipur and Ramanaguda (Rayagada), Dharakote (Ganjam), and Khajuripada (Kandhamal).
Minister Suraj, during the virtual inauguration, stressed the transformative power of education in empowering youth and driving societal progress. He noted that these new colleges would play a crucial role in reducing dropout rates and fostering a renewed interest in higher education among students in remote areas.
“These 14 new institutions are not just colleges but beacons of hope for students in remote regions. They will significantly lower dropout rates and inspire students to pursue higher education,” said Suraj, offering his best wishes to all involved, from principals to students and local government representatives.
Arvind Agarwal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, remarked that establishing these colleges in 14 blocks across eight districts marks a pivotal moment in bringing higher education to Odisha’s most remote regions. He congratulated the students on this new opportunity and encouraged them to work diligently towards a brighter future.
The inauguration also saw participation from local MLAs, including Bonai MLA Laxman Munda and Lakhmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta, who joined the event virtually. They hailed the government’s initiative as a revolutionary step in enhancing the state’s educational infrastructure. Principals and students of the newly established colleges shared their excitement and gratitude, expressing hope for the positive impact these institutions will bring.