States » EastPosted at: Nov 9 2026 11:16PM


Odisha cabinet approves Shikshanet scheme to provide free Wi-Fi to College and University Students

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9 (UNI) In a major boost to digital education in Odisha, the state government has approved an ambitious initiative to provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi internet facilities to students in government and aided higher education institutions across the state.
The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Monday approved the implementation of the flagship scheme, 'Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to All Colleges and Universities', with a total financial outlay of Rs 393.62 crore over three years, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2028-29.
Briefing media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the scheme would extend free Wi-Fi connectivity to 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha. The initiative builds upon the successful implementation of its first phase in 130 colleges.
Under the scheme, every authenticated student will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free internet data per day within the campus. The facility is aimed at supporting academic activities, research, skill development and access to various digital learning resources.
The project will involve the installation of Wi-Fi infrastructure, provision of adequate bandwidth, network management, cybersecurity measures and operation and maintenance support to ensure uninterrupted and secure internet services.
A centralised monitoring dashboard will also be established to monitor service delivery, network security, uptime and the efficient utilisation of the facilities.
The free Wi-Fi facility will enable students to access a wide range of digital educational resources, including e-books, digital libraries, virtual classrooms, SWAYAM and other Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), research databases, competitive examination materials and digital skill development platforms.
Students will also be able to access important e-governance services and educational portals, including the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS) and scholarship portals.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members across government and aided higher education institutions in Odisha.
The scheme is particularly expected to benefit students from rural, remote and economically weaker sections of society by reducing the digital divide and ensuring more equitable access to quality higher education.
According to the Chief Secretary, the initiative is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Digital India programme, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9 and 10, and Odisha Vision 2036.
The scheme is expected to significantly strengthen the state's digital higher education ecosystem, promote technology-enabled learning and create greater opportunities for students to access quality educational resources.
The initiative marks another significant step towards building a digitally empowered education system and advancing the vision of a Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat, the Chief Secretary said.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha cabinet approves Shikshanet scheme to provide free Wi-Fi to College and University Students
More News

Odisha cabinet approves Paddy Procurement Policy for Kharif 2026-27

09 Nov 2026 | 11:39 PM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9 (UNI) In a major relief to farmers, the Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved a farmer-centric and technology-driven Food and Paddy Procurement Policy for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27.

see more..

Odisha cabinet approves Shikshanet scheme to provide free Wi-Fi to College and University Students

09 Nov 2026 | 11:16 PM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9 (UNI) In a major boost to digital education in Odisha, the state government has approved an ambitious initiative to provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi internet facilities to students in government and aided higher education institutions across the state.

see more..

Bengal: Abhaya’s mother slams CBI over ‘lack of progress’, demands answers on unanswered questions

09 Nov 2026 | 11:13 PM

Krishnagar, Nov 9 (UNI) Expressing sharp dissatisfaction with the CBI investigation into the rape and murder of the RG Kar Medical College doctor, whose death triggered nationwide outrage, her mother, Ratna Debnath, on Monday accused the central agency of failing to pursue crucial leads despite being provided with vital information and evidence.

see more..

Kolkata's air quality deteriorates after Kali Puja & Diwali celebrations; environmentalists, doctors raise alarm

09 Nov 2026 | 11:09 PM

Kolkata, Nov 9 (UNI) Environmentalists and doctors have raised concerns over the serious health implications of deteriorating air quality in Kolkata and its adjoining areas following Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations.

see more..

West Bengal health department issues new treatment guidelines, puts doctors on notice over compliance

09 Nov 2026 | 11:09 PM

Kolkata, Nov 9 (UNI) West Bengal has issued new treatment guidelines for doctors in the state, with Health Minister Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee saying the protocols will form the benchmark for assessing medical treatment and complaints against practitioners.

see more..