Higher Education Department Holds Sensitisation Workshop on Odisha Vision Document 2036 & 2047

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, organised a sensitisation workshop on the Odisha Vision Document 2036 and 2047 — Vikshit Odisha for Vikshit Bharat — for Vice Chancellors of universities, Principals of colleges and Regional Directors of Education. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasised the pivotal role of higher education institutions in realising the goals of Vikshit Odisha 2036 and Vikshit Bharat 2047. He said that universities and colleges will be central to building a skilled, inclusive and globally competitive knowledge ecosystem in the state.

Suraj outlined four key parameters identified in the Odisha Vision Document for the development of higher education. These include achieving a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047; promoting gender parity and inclusion of students from backward sections; enhancing the employability of graduates; and expanding institutional infrastructure by establishing two higher education institutions in every block and at least one Multidisciplinary Education and Research University in each district by 2047. He also highlighted the goal of positioning at least two institutions from Odisha among the world’s top 500 universities by 2036.

Emphasising that these parameters will guide future reforms, the Minister said that focused and coordinated efforts by all higher education institutions are essential to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth of the sector.

Highlighting inclusion-oriented initiatives, Suraj informed that 11.25 per cent reservation has been provided for Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) students in admissions to higher education institutions. He further stated that the Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Bill, 2025, aimed at creating a uniform reservation framework for direct recruitment of teachers across all State Public Universities in Odisha.

The Minister also referred to the Videsh Sikhshya Bruti Scheme, under which Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from families with an annual income below Rs 12 lakh are eligible for scholarships of up to Rs 50 lakh over two years to pursue higher studies abroad.

Reiterating the government’s vision, Suraj said, “Education for all and higher education for all is our goal. The academic community will play a decisive role in realising the vision of Vikshit Odisha 2036 and Vikshit Bharat 2047.”

On the occasion, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Higher Education Department, Arvind Agrawal presented a detailed overview of the initiatives undertaken by the department and guided Vice Chancellors and Principals on strategies to achieve the higher education targets outlined in the Vision Document.