The state government will provide 1 GB of daily data to students in 601 institutions under the new Odisha Shikshanet initiative.
The Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has cleared 13 major proposals, including a ₹393.62 crore scheme to provide free Wi-Fi to higher educational institutions, according to reports by Hindustan Times and ANI.
Under the Odisha Shikshanet initiative, free Wi-Fi will be installed in 601 government and aided colleges across the state. The project will be implemented over three years from the 2026-27 to 2028-29 financial years.
Authenticated students will receive up to 1 GB of high-speed internet data every day on their campuses. The programme is expected to benefit more than 6 lakh students and faculty members by providing access to e-libraries and digital learning platforms.
Other significant decisions include removing the attempt limit for candidates appearing in the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination. The Cabinet also approved a rice procurement target of 53 LMT for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27, with farmers receiving ₹3,100 per quintal.
In terms of infrastructure, the Cabinet sanctioned seven lift irrigation schemes in Nuapada district costing ₹268.22 crore and two in-stream storage projects in Balangir district. Additionally, the Odisha Bovine Breeding (Regulation) Bill, 2026, was approved to regulate livestock breeding services.
