In a significant step toward strengthening higher education infrastructure in eastern India, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for a transformative Rs 479.92 crore infrastructure initiative at the Central University of Odisha (CUO) at Sunabeda, Koraput.
The project represents a significant step toward establishing a Net Zero Campus that is environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and socially inclusive.
It includes multi-storey academic buildings, ten modern hostel facilities, a grand auditorium, a gymnasium and indoor sports complex, student and shopping centres, a fully equipped health centre, and an international guest house.
Designed according to green building standards, with renewable energy systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, the Net Zero Campus aims to substantially reduce the university’s carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for both students and faculty.
Additionally, the Union Education Minister inaugurated several newly completed facilities at the university, including the Academic Building, Health Centre, Vice-Chancellor’s Residence, Officers’ Quarters, and Staff Quarters.
This landmark investment by the Government of India is a critical step toward addressing regional disparities in higher education. It reflects a strong commitment to inclusive growth, tribal empowerment, and regional development through academic excellence and institutional capacity building in the heart of the Eastern Ghats.
Also present on the occasion were Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka, Member of Parliament, Koraput; Balabhadra Majhi, Member of Parliament, Nabarngpur; Nityananda Gond, Minister SSEPD, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, School & Mass Education, Govt. of Odisha, Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State, Odia Language, Higher Education & Sports, Govt. of Odisha, Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of State for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development & MSME, Govt. of Odisha, Hon’ble MLAs from undivided Koraput District, including Rama Chandra Kadam, Raghuram Machha, Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Pabitra Saunta, Rupu Bhatra, Gouri Shankar Majhi, Manohar Randhari, Narasing Bhatra and Narasinga Madkami, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Vineet Joshi; Addl. Secretary, S. K. Barnwal; Prof. N. C. Panda, Vice Chancellor I/c, Central University of Odisha, dignitaries, staff and students of the Central University of Odisha.
