The Odisha government has released the second instalment of Rs 14.34 crore to eligible higher education institutions under its ‘Gyanodaya- Shiksha Ru Samruddhi’ (KG to PG Free Education) scheme for the academic session 2026-27. The latest release accounts for 15 per cent of the approved financial assistance under the scheme.
The funds have been released by the Higher Education Department through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), officials said, according to PTI.
Odisha releases Rs 14.34 crore as second instalment
The latest release follows the first instalment of Rs 9.56 crore provided earlier by the department. The first instalment represented 10 per cent of the approved assistance for eligible institutions.
With the release of the second instalment, the state government has disbursed a total of Rs 23.90 crore to eligible higher education institutions for implementation of the scheme during the 2026-27 academic session.
The phased release of funds is aimed at supporting institutions in implementing the scheme and ensuring that eligible students receive the intended benefits.
Scheme expected to benefit over 32 lakh students
Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the release of funds in phases would help institutions implement the scheme effectively. He added that the initiative is intended to ensure that eligible students can pursue education without financial barriers. The scheme is expected to benefit more than 32 lakh students every year across different levels of education.
What is the Gyanodaya scheme?
The ‘Gyanodaya- Shiksha Ru Samruddhi’ scheme covers students studying in regular programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in state public universities, government colleges and government-aided private colleges.
Eligible students receive a complete waiver of the prescribed admission fee under the scheme. They are required to pay only the prescribed examination fee.
The scheme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and their families and improving access to higher education.
Who can avail the free education benefit?
The scheme covers eligible students enrolled in regular-mode programmes at participating government and government-aided institutions. Its scope extends from school education to higher education.
According to the official information, the initiative provides a 100 per cent admission fee waiver for eligible students enrolled in Classes 9 to 12 as well as regular UG and PG programmes.
Odisha’s KG to PG free education initiative
With the extension of the scheme to students from Classes 9 to 12 and regular UG and PG programmes, Odisha has positioned the initiative as a KG-to-PG free education programme in government and government-aided educational institutions.
The government has said the scheme is intended to make education more accessible by removing admission fees for eligible students while reducing the financial burden on families.
The latest release of Rs 14.34 crore is part of the state’s phased funding process for implementing the scheme during the 2026-27 academic session.
(With inputs from PTI)
