Odisha Govt Waives Hostel Fees for 45,000 Students in Adarsha Vidyalayas to Ensure Equal Access to Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has approved the provision of free hostel facilities for students residing in non-KGBV Type-IV girls’ hostels of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs). The decision is expected to benefit more than 45,000 students, particularly those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, who face challenges commuting to school due to long distances.

Until now, students staying in 455 hostels—including 141 girls’ hostels and 314 boys’ hostels—had to pay Rs 2,000 per month towards hostel expenses. With the latest cabinet approval, the state will bear this cost entirely, waiving the monthly contribution for each student. The decision involves a total financial outlay of ₹349.20 crore over five years, from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030.

Currently, Odisha has 314 operational Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas across the state, each equipped with one girls’ and one boys’ hostel, with a capacity of 100 students each. While 173 girls’ hostels linked to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) receive funding under the central Samagra Shiksha scheme, the remaining hostels were until now excluded from such support—placing a financial burden on many families.

The state’s decision aims to bridge this gap and ensure that no student is denied quality education due to transportation or economic constraints.

Launched in 2015-16, the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan was created with the goal of providing quality English-medium education to talented students, especially those in rural regions who lack access to such facilities. With this new initiative, the state reinforces its commitment to equitable learning opportunities and improving school retention rates in underserved communities.