‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’ to provide free education across government and aided institutions, aiming to boost enrolment, reduce dropouts, and promote inclusive learning
In one of the most ambitious education initiatives undertaken by any Indian state, the Odisha Cabinet has approved a ₹5,467.55-crore programme to provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level over the next five years.
Named ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’, the scheme will come into effect from the 2026–27 academic session, completing Odisha’s vision of offering free education across all stages of learning. While education from KG to Class VIII was already free, the new initiative extends financial support to students pursuing education from Class IX to postgraduate studies in government and government-aided institutions.
A Landmark Investment in Education
The Odisha Government has earmarked ₹5,467.55 crore for the programme over five years, with an allocation of approximately ₹895.57 crore in the first year alone.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than 32 lakh students annually, making it one of the largest education support programmes introduced by any state government in India.
What is the ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’ Scheme?
The newly approved scheme is designed to eliminate financial barriers that often prevent students from continuing their education beyond the elementary level.
Under the programme, eligible students studying in government and government-aided educational institutions will receive a complete waiver of admission fees from Class IX to postgraduate courses.
Since education up to Class VIII is already free, the initiative effectively creates a KG-to-PG free education model, ensuring continuity in educational support throughout a student’s academic journey.
Key Features of the Scheme
1. Free Education from KG to PG
The scheme completes Odisha’s vision of universal free education by covering:
- Kindergarten (KG)
- Primary education
- Upper primary education
- Secondary education (Classes IX–X)
- Higher secondary education (Classes XI–XII)
- Undergraduate programmes
- Postgraduate programmes
Students enrolled in eligible government and aided institutions will not have to pay admission fees.
2. Financial Relief for Families
The programme seeks to reduce the financial burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
By removing admission fees, the government hopes to ensure that no deserving student is forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints.
3. Support for More Than 32 Lakh Students
Each year, the scheme is expected to benefit over 32 lakh students, making higher education more accessible and inclusive across the state.
The initiative is likely to have a significant impact on rural, tribal, and economically disadvantaged communities, where affordability often influences educational choices.
Objectives of the Initiative
The Odisha Government aims to achieve multiple educational goals through the programme:
- Increase enrolment across secondary and higher education.
- Reduce school and college dropout rates.
- Promote equal access to education.
- Improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
- Encourage higher education among disadvantaged communities.
- Build a skilled and educated workforce.
The initiative also aligns with the broader vision of making education a key driver of social and economic development.
Who Will Benefit?
The scheme will cover students studying in:
- Government schools.
- Government-aided schools.
- Government colleges.
- Government-aided higher educational institutions.
However, self-financing institutions, unaided colleges, and certain professional or self-supporting courses are not included under the current framework.
Expected Impact on Odisha’s Education Sector
Education experts believe the programme could bring transformative changes across the state’s education ecosystem.
Increase in Student Enrolment
Removing admission fees is expected to encourage more students to continue education beyond secondary school.
Reduction in Dropout Rates
Financial constraints remain one of the leading causes of students leaving school or college. The scheme directly addresses this challenge.
Greater Access to Higher Education
Students from low-income families will have improved opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Promotion of Educational Equity
The programme is designed to ensure that financial background does not become a barrier to academic progress.
Alignment with National Education Goals
The initiative complements the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes:
- Universal access to education.
- Equity and inclusion.
- Improved learning outcomes.
- Increased participation in higher education.
- Reduction in educational disparities.
By extending financial support throughout a student’s academic journey, Odisha is taking a significant step toward achieving these goals.
Challenges Ahead
While the scheme has received widespread appreciation, its long-term success will depend on effective implementation.
Key areas requiring sustained attention include:
- Timely release of funds.
- Efficient coordination with educational institutions.
- Monitoring beneficiary coverage.
- Maintaining educational quality alongside increased enrolment.
- Strengthening school and college infrastructure to accommodate rising admissions.
Experts note that financial assistance should be complemented by investments in teachers, digital learning, laboratories, libraries, and student support services.
A New Model for Inclusive Education
Odisha’s KG-to-PG free education initiative represents one of the most comprehensive state-funded education programmes in recent years. By removing admission fees across multiple stages of education, the government seeks to create an environment where every student, regardless of economic background, has the opportunity to pursue academic aspirations.
If implemented effectively, the programme could serve as a model for other states exploring ways to improve educational access, reduce inequality, and strengthen human capital through sustained public investment in education.
