Odisha CM and Union Education Minister Sign MoU to Launch PM-USHA Program

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the launch of the PM-USHA program as a testament to the success of the ‘Double Engine Government,’ emphasizing its potential to revolutionize education in the state. Introduced on the 81st day of the government, the program reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s education sector and aims to lay a foundation for the future of Odisha’s students.

At the launch event, CM Majhi stressed that education must rise above political divisions and focus on student empowerment. He assured that the PM-USHA scheme would bring significant improvements to the state’s educational infrastructure, focusing on skill development, research, and employability. “The program will globalize the learning environment,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals, which had been previously delayed due to political reasons.

The Chief Minister further announced that Odisha would grant autonomy to universities as part of the state’s educational reform. So far, 18 new government colleges have been established in remote areas, and the state is actively working on creating 26 language laboratories to preserve tribal languages.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, also present at the event, commended the state’s focus on education, noting that 1 crore students make up a quarter of Odisha’s population. He emphasized that Odisha has the potential to be a hub for global-standard education. He announced an allocation of Rs. 500 crore to enhance state colleges and universities, aiming to nurture Odisha’s talent for international recognition.

The PM-USHA program will enhance the five pillars of the NEP 2020: accessibility, quality, equity, accountability, and capability. A key part of this effort is skill development, with plans for internships for 1 crore young women in 500 companies, fostering employability and preparing students for a rapidly advancing technological world.

Majhi concluded that the initiative would be instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-4), with Odisha’s education system set to evolve significantly by 2036. The government aims to position Odisha as a center of higher learning, contributing to the broader vision of a developed India.