Odisha Approves Landmark Free Education Initiative from Kindergarten to Postgraduate Level
The Odisha cabinet has given its approval to a comprehensive scheme that will provide free education to students across the state, spanning from kindergarten (KG) all the way through postgraduate (PG) programs. This ambitious initiative is set to benefit approximately 3.2 million students enrolled in government and government-aided educational institutions over the next five years, with the state government allocating a substantial budget of ₹5,467 crore for its implementation.
Scheme Details and Coverage
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the cabinet has formally approved the ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksha Samriddhi: Free Education from KG to PG’ scheme, which will come into effect starting from the 2026-27 academic session. Describing the decision as “historic” and “first of its kind” in the country, the Chief Minister highlighted that the initiative will eliminate admission fees entirely for eligible students enrolling in regular courses at government and government-aided institutions.
The scheme encompasses a wide range of students, including those studying in classes 9 through 12 at government and government-aided schools. Additionally, students pursuing undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs at state public universities, government colleges, and government-aided colleges will also be covered under this initiative.
Expanding Educational Access
Odisha already provides free education up to class 8, and this new initiative significantly expands the scope of complimentary education to include higher education levels. The Chief Minister clarified that certain categories will not fall under the scheme’s purview, including self-financing courses and institutions, unaided private institutions, PPP-mode institutions, and professional or technical courses.
The primary objective behind this sweeping educational reform is to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of learning opportunities due to financial constraints. By alleviating the financial burden on economically weaker and marginalized families, the government aims to create a more equitable educational landscape across the state.
Expected Impact on Enrollment and Retention
Education experts anticipate that this initiative will significantly boost enrollment numbers while simultaneously reducing dropout rates. The removal of financial barriers is expected to encourage more students to pursue higher education, thereby improving overall educational attainment in the region. The scheme is designed to create a seamless educational pathway, allowing students to progress from their earliest schooling years through to advanced postgraduate studies without facing financial obstacles.
Financial Allocation and Implementation
The state government has earmarked a substantial budget for the successful rollout of this scheme. For the first year of implementation, ₹895.57 crore has been allocated, with the total projected expenditure over the five-year period reaching ₹5,467.55 crore. This significant investment underscores the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible to all segments of society.
The initiative will be administered through the School and Mass Education Department and the Higher Education Department, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all government and government-aided institutions under their jurisdiction. This coordinated approach aims to streamline the implementation process and maximize the reach of the scheme to all eligible students throughout Odisha.
This landmark decision represents a major step forward in the state’s educational policy, positioning Odisha as a pioneer in providing end-to-end free education from the foundational years of kindergarten through to advanced postgraduate studies. The scheme reflects a holistic understanding of education as a fundamental right and a crucial driver of social and economic development.
