Bhubaneswar, Jul 1: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved 12 key proposals, including a landmark initiative in education — the “Gyanodaya – Prosperity through Education” scheme, which will provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level in government and government-aided institutions.

The decision was taken at the 43rd Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan. Announcing the scheme, Majhi described it as a historic step to ensure that no student in Odisha is deprived of education or forced to discontinue studies due to financial constraints.

The scheme, effective from the 2026–27 academic year, will cover students from Classes IX to XII in government and aided schools, as well as those pursuing regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses in state public universities, government colleges, and aided colleges. Admission and enrolment fees will be completely waived. Education up to Class VIII is already free in Odisha, making this initiative a fulfilment of the state’s vision of free education from KG to PG.

CM Majhi emphasised that the scheme will reduce the financial burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, improve enrolment, enhance attendance, and lower dropout rates. More than 32 lakh students are expected to benefit annually.

The Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs895.57 crore for the first year and Rs5,467.55 crore over five years. Officials described it as one of the largest investments in the education sector by the state government.

The scheme excludes self-financing courses, private unaided institutions, PPP-mode institutions, and professional or technical programmes.
CM Majhi said Gyanodaya is not merely a fee-waiver programme but a commitment to equal opportunities for every child and youth in Odisha. He added that the initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Odisha Vision 2036, and Vision 2047, laying the foundation for a “Developed Odisha” through education-driven empowerment.