Odisha Cabinet Approves ‘Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi’ Scheme, Paves Way for Free Education from KG to PG

Bhubaneswar: Marking a major policy intervention in the education sector, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the ‘Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi’ scheme to provide free education from school to postgraduate level and expand access to learning for lakhs of students across the state.

The scheme fulfils the State Government’s commitment of extending free education from KG to PG and is aimed at ensuring that financial limitations do not become a barrier to continuing education.

From the 2026–27 academic session, eligible students enrolled in regular courses at Government and Government-Aided institutions will receive a full waiver of admission fees. The scheme will cover students of Classes IX to XII in Government and aided schools as well as those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in State Public Universities, Government Colleges and Government-Aided Colleges.

With schooling from Kindergarten to Class VIII already being provided free of cost in Odisha, the new initiative expands support to secondary and higher education, completing the state’s free education framework.

Officials said the programme is expected to encourage more students to remain in the education system, improve enrolment levels and reduce dropout rates, particularly among economically disadvantaged families.

The scheme, however, excludes self-financing courses, unaided institutions, institutions operating under the PPP model and professional or technical programmes.

The Cabinet has approved an estimated budget allocation of ₹1,895.57 crore in the first year, while the total expenditure over five years is projected at ₹5,467.55 crore. More than 32 lakh students are expected to benefit annually.

According to the Government, the initiative supports the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aligns with Odisha Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 by promoting equitable access to education and building a stronger knowledge-driven economy.

Officials described the scheme as a significant step towards creating equal educational opportunities and strengthening long-term human resource development in Odisha.