Last Updated: June 2026
The Odisha government has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening higher education, technical training, and institutional capacity across the state. The initiatives include infrastructure funding under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), the modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), faculty recruitment in public universities, and long-term education goals under Odisha’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 framework.
The announcements have been made through the Higher Education Department, Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Cabinet decisions, and policy consultations linked to the state’s development roadmap. Together, the measures seek to improve educational access, employability, research capacity, and industry engagement.
PM-USHA Funding Approved for Universities and Colleges
According to announcements by the Odisha Higher Education Department and reports on PM-USHA approvals, the Centre has sanctioned ₹676.70 crore for higher education infrastructure development in the state.
PM-USHA Funding Allocation
|
Component |
Beneficiaries |
Allocation |
|
MERU |
Berhampur University, MSCB University, Ravenshaw University, Sambalpur University |
₹100 crore each |
|
GSU |
Vikram Dev University, Odisha State Open University, Kalahandi University, Rajendra University, Gangadhar Meher University |
₹20 crore each |
|
GSC |
24 colleges across Odisha |
₹5 crore each |
|
Gender Inclusion & Equity |
Five districts, including Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Nabarangpur and Sambalpur |
₹10 crore each |
The funding is intended for classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, digital learning facilities, and accessibility infrastructure. State officials have stated that the objective is to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the quality of higher education delivery.
Verification Note: Institution-wise allocations and implementation timelines should be verified through official PM-USHA communications and Higher Education Department notifications.
Odisha Signs Agreement to Upgrade 22 ITIs
The Odisha government has signed an agreement with Tata Technologies to upgrade 22 state-run ITIs into Centres of Excellence. The project has been valued at approximately ₹779 crore, with the company expected to contribute the majority share of the investment.
Proposed Areas of Training
|
Sector |
Focus Area |
|
Manufacturing |
CNC and VMC machining |
|
Industry 4.0 |
Automation and Internet of Things (IoT) |
|
Emerging Technologies |
Robotics and 3D printing |
|
Mobility |
Electric vehicle technologies |
|
Technical Services |
Advanced plumbing systems |
Government statements indicate that Tata Technologies will provide training support, equipment maintenance, and placement assistance during the implementation period.
Additional agreements have been signed with UNICEF, Kawasaki Robotics India Pvt Ltd, and Atreya Global Private Limited to support digital skilling, robotics education, and overseas employment pathways.
Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 Education Targets
During consultations on Odisha’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 roadmap, the Higher Education Department outlined several long-term policy objectives.
Education Targets
|
Target |
Timeline |
|
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% |
By 2036 |
|
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 60% |
By 2047 |
|
Two higher education institutions in every block |
By 2047 |
|
One multidisciplinary university in every district |
By 2047 |
|
10,000 international students |
By 2029 |
|
Two institutions among the world’s top 500 universities |
By 2036 |
The roadmap also discusses expanding Odia-language academic resources, improving graduate employability, promoting gender inclusion, and exploring AI-enabled examination and assessment systems.
Timeline Note: These figures represent policy goals announced under Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 and should not be interpreted as completed outcomes.
Scholarship and Inclusion Measures
The state government has continued to highlight programmes aimed at improving educational access for disadvantaged groups.
According to available scheme guidelines, the Videsh Sikshya Bruti scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh over two years for eligible SC and ST candidates pursuing higher studies at selected international institutions. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the latest official guidelines, including income-related criteria.
The government has also indicated continued support for the Shakti Shree initiative, which focuses on safety and support measures for women in educational institutions.
Recruitment Planned for Public Universities
The Odisha government has announced plans to fill 1,353 faculty positions across state public universities.
Officials have stated that the recruitment process will be conducted under amended provisions of the Odisha Universities Act to address vacancies affecting teaching and research activities. Detailed eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, and application schedules are expected to be published through official recruitment notifications.
Science and Technology Funding
The Odisha Cabinet has approved ₹254.85 crore for the State Council on Science and Technology Scheme. According to government announcements, the funding is intended to support scientific awareness, innovation, and technology-led development initiatives across the state.
Poverty Reduction and Development Indicators
According to multidimensional poverty estimates published by NITI Aayog and referenced in recent Odisha government publications, multidimensional poverty in the state declined substantially over the previous five years.
The assessment reported that 11.07% of Odisha’s population was classified as multidimensionally poor during the 2022-23 reporting period. The figure is based on NITI Aayog’s multidimensional poverty methodology and should be interpreted within the framework used for the assessment.
Why These Developments Matter
The measures announced by the state cover multiple areas of the education ecosystem, including infrastructure, vocational training, faculty recruitment, inclusion, and technology integration.
If implemented as planned, the initiatives could improve institutional capacity, strengthen links between education and industry, and expand access to higher education and technical training. The long-term impact will depend on implementation progress, utilisation of funds, and participation by educational institutions.
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Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on government announcements, policy documents, cabinet decisions, and publicly available reports available as of June 2026. Funding allocations, scholarship provisions, eligibility conditions, recruitment plans, and implementation timelines may change. Readers should verify the latest information through official notifications, departmental circulars, and authorised government portals. In case of any discrepancy, official government communications shall prevail.