Odisha State Budget Unveils Major Push for Education and Skilling Sectors
In a significant move to strengthen the education and skilling landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a comprehensive set of initiatives in the state budget on Friday. The budget allocates a substantial outlay of Rs 42,565 crore to the education sector, marking a focused effort to expand higher and technical education infrastructure across various districts in Odisha.
Detailed Breakdown of Education Allocations
The allocation for school education stands at Rs 31,997.53 crore, reflecting a 3.2% increase compared to the previous financial year. Higher education receives Rs 3,664.40 crore, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing academic opportunities. In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, the government has proposed an allocation of Rs 1,131 crore under state support to Samagra Shiksha. Out of this, Rs 32 crore is specifically earmarked for providing uniforms to students in Sishu Vatika programs.
Initiatives for School Education Enhancement
Under the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya initiative, the government plans to spend Rs 1,010 crore in the 2026-27 fiscal year to develop model primary schools at the gram panchayat level. Additionally, the 'Aitihya Vidyalayas' project will see the renovation and revitalization of 51 heritage Odia-medium government high schools, transforming them into centers of excellence. Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and EBC school students have been allocated Rs 2,095 crore, benefiting approximately 22 lakh students. Furthermore, Rs 1,070 crore is set aside for improving the infrastructure of residential schools catering to ST and SC students.
Expansion in Higher and Technical Education
In the realm of higher education, Chief Minister Majhi announced the establishment of four new greenfield universities at the district headquarters of Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda. Unlike brownfield universities, which are upgraded from existing colleges, greenfield institutions offer the unique advantage of implementing fundamentally new organizational models and innovative pedagogy in postgraduate courses from the outset, in line with the NEP-2020 mandate, the CM emphasized.
The budget also earmarks Rs 470 crore for enhancing infrastructure in public universities, government colleges, and non-government aided colleges, a notable increase from the Rs 375 crore allocated last financial year. Special attention is being given to improving laboratory facilities to support advanced research and learning.
Skilling and Technical Education Developments
To address the growing demand for skilled professionals, the CM proposed two new campuses of the World Skill Centre in Sambalpur and Berhampur, with an investment of Rs 278 crore. A center of excellence in mining and metallurgy will be established at the Government College of Engineering in Keonjhar, targeting the rising needs of the mining and metals sector. Additionally, two new government engineering colleges are planned for Paradip and Balangir. An outlay of Rs 235 crore has been allocated for the infrastructure development of technical education institutions, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities for students.
This budget reflects a strategic approach to bolstering Odisha's education system, with a clear focus on inclusivity, innovation, and infrastructure development to prepare students for future challenges.
