The Union Government has sanctioned ₹676.70 crore for the infrastructural development of universities and colleges in Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), state Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced on Tuesday.

Of the total allocation, ₹408.70 crore (60%) will be provided by the Centre, while the Odisha government will contribute ₹268 crore (40%), Suraj informed during a press briefing.

The funding will be utilized across several components aimed at improving higher education in the state. These include:

• Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU): Promoting holistic and cutting-edge education.
• Grants to Strengthen Universities (GSU): Enhancing the infrastructure of state universities.
• Grants to Strengthen Colleges (GSC): Upgrading facilities in government colleges.
• Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiatives (GIEI): Ensuring gender inclusivity in education.
• Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research (MMER): Improving oversight and research capabilities.

Minister Suraj expressed optimism about the development, stating that the approved funds will significantly boost the state’s higher education sector by modernizing infrastructure, fostering research opportunities, and creating inclusive learning environments.

Odisha’s higher education institutions are set to benefit immensely, with new facilities and resources expected to enhance the academic experience for students and faculty alike.