Major Boost for Odisha’s Higher Education: Rs 676.70 Crore Sanctioned

The Union government has sanctioned Rs 676.70 crore for infrastructure development across universities and colleges in Odisha under the PM-USHA scheme. The funds will support Multi Disciplinary Education and Research, strengthen institutions, and facilitate gender inclusion and digital advancements, aiming to improve educational standards and global competitiveness.

The Union government has granted Rs 676.70 crore for infrastructure development in Odisha's universities and colleges as part of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), according to Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Out of the total fund, the state government will cover Rs 268 crore while the Centre will contribute the remaining Rs 408.70 crore. The investment aims to support components like Multi Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) and strengthen existing institutions and gender inclusion initiatives, explained Suraj.

Funding allocations include Rs 100 crore each for Berhampur University, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Ravenshaw University, and Sambalpur University under MERU. Additional funds are designated for infrastructure development, digital education enhancements, and gender equity projects across various other institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)