Odisha’s Gyanodaya Scheme Drives Record Admissions, New Posts Strengthen Higher Education Sector
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s higher education sector has witnessed significant growth following the implementation of the Gyanodaya (KG to PG Free Education Scheme), with undergraduate admissions recording a substantial increase during the current academic year.
The progress was reviewed at a departmental meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who assessed admission trends, recruitment initiatives, and infrastructure development projects across the state.
According to official figures, undergraduate admissions have increased by 14,758 students, rising from 1,64,179 to 1,78,937.
The surge is being attributed to the successful implementation of the state government’s free education initiative aimed at improving access to higher education.
Several aspirational districts have emerged as top performers in admissions.
Kalahandi recorded an admission rate of 99.09 per cent, followed by Koraput at 98.82 per cent, Balangir at 95.57 per cent, Malkangiri at 95.37 per cent and Nabarangpur region at 94.64 per cent.
To strengthen academic administration, the state government has created 48 new Principal posts, ensuring that all 66 government degree colleges now have sanctioned Principal positions.
In addition, 262 new non-teaching posts have been approved across 17 state universities to improve institutional functioning.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing recruitment efforts. Recruitment is underway for 385 Assistant Professor (Stage-I) posts in government degree colleges, while universities are working to fill 1,434 teaching positions.
Over the past two years, the State Selection Board has completed recruitment processes for more than 2,800 posts and has recently advertised another 1,557 vacancies.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to inclusive education, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reiterated the vision of “Education for All, Higher Education for All” and directed officials to ensure timely completion of departmental schemes and PM-USHA infrastructure projects.
The latest developments highlight Odisha’s continued focus on expanding educational access, improving staffing levels and strengthening higher education infrastructure across the state.
