Bhubaneswar, July 1: In a major boost to the education sector, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 12 key proposals, including the launch of the 'Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi' scheme to provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level in the state.
The newly approved scheme fulfills the State Government's commitment to ensuring "KG to PG Free Education" by waiving admission fees for eligible students studying in Government and Government-Aided educational institutions.
Free Education from Academic Session 2026-27
The scheme will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session and will cover students enrolled in:
Since education from Kindergarten to Class VIII is already free in Odisha, the new initiative completes the government's vision of offering free education from KG to PG.
Aim of the Scheme
The "Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi" scheme has been introduced to make quality education more accessible, affordable and equitable across Odisha. By eliminating admission fees, the government aims to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from pursuing education.
The initiative is expected to increase student enrolment, improve retention, reduce dropout rates, and encourage more students, particularly from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections, to continue higher education.
Who Will Benefit?
The benefits will be available only to students enrolled in regular courses offered by eligible Government and Government-Aided institutions.
However, the scheme will not cover:
Major Investment in Education
The Odisha Cabinet has approved an estimated expenditure of ₹895.57 crore for the first year of implementation and ₹5,467.55 crore over the next five years.
The government estimates that the scheme will benefit more than 32 lakh students every year, significantly reducing the financial burden on families while strengthening access to quality education.
Aligned with National Education Goals
The scheme is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Odisha Vision 2036, and Odisha Vision 2047. It aims to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), strengthen human capital development and create a skilled, educated and empowered workforce for the future.
Describing the initiative as more than just a fee-waiver programme, the state government said "Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi" reflects its commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to every child and youth, regardless of economic background, while supporting the vision of a developed and knowledge-driven Odisha.
