Odisha Assembly Passes ₹3,664.40 Crore Higher Education Budget for 2026–27
The Odisha Assembly has unanimously passed a Rs 3,664.40 crore budget for the Higher Education Department for 2026–27, focusing on infrastructure, research, employability, and student welfare.
A major highlight is the ShaktiShree Yojana, rolled out across all 16 state universities and 730 colleges with a dedicated Rs 15 crore allocation.
The scheme includes ShaktiShree Empowerment Centres, selfRs defence training, mentorship programs, and mandatory CCTV coverage to ensure safety for girl students.
To boost innovation, the government has earmarked Rs 20 crore for the Chief Minister’s Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme and Rs 5 crore for startup, incubation, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The “Naba Srujan & Nutan Udyam” programme will further support successful student prototypes and research ideas.
The budget also provides for the establishment of seven new Government Degree Colleges in underserved blocks of Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Malkangiri districts, expanding access to higher education in remote regions.
With this allocation, Odisha aims to transform its higher education sector into a hub of excellence, safety, and opportunity, empowering students with skills for the future.