Odisha undergraduate admissions rise following free education scheme rollout
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reported 1,78,937 regular undergraduate enrolments after the introduction of the Gyanodaya Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme.
Odisha has recorded 14,758 more undergraduate admissions this academic year compared to the previous one, according to reports by Times Now, India Today and Telegraph India. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj shared these figures on Friday after reviewing the implementation of the Gyanodaya Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme.
The initiative, which began this academic year, offers free schooling from nursery through to postgraduate levels for eligible students in government-run institutions. Total regular undergraduate enrolments reached 1,78,937, up from 1,64,179 in the previous academic session.
In the state's aspirational districts, Kalahandi saw the highest enrolment rate at 99.09 per cent. Koraput recorded 98.82 per cent, Balangir 95.57 per cent, Malkangiri 95.37 per cent, and Nuapada 94.64 per cent.
To strengthen infrastructure, the government has created 48 new principal posts across 48 government degree colleges. This ensures all 66 state government degree colleges now have sanctioned principal positions, up from 18 previously. Additionally, 262 new posts were created across 17 state universities following a rationalisation exercise.
Minister Suraj stated that recruitment is currently underway to fill 1,819 vacant teaching positions. The State Selection Board (SSB) has already declared results for over 2,800 vacancies in the last two years and issued notifications for 1,557 posts this year.
The review meeting also covered projects under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). The minister instructed officials to complete ongoing projects within set timelines.