The Odisha government has released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for its landmark Gyanodaya‑Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme, bringing clarity to the implementation of the state’s ambitious KG‑to‑PG free education programme.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the SOP ensures that no student is denied higher education due to financial hardship. Colleges will not be allowed to hike fees arbitrarily, and students who have already paid admission fees will receive full refunds directly to their bank accounts.
To ease financial pressure on institutions, the government will reimburse colleges in phases — 10 % after admission, 15 % in the second instalment, and the remaining 75 % in three equal tranches during the academic year.
Eligibility norms require students to maintain at least 75 % attendance, with relaxation up to 65 % under exceptional circumstances. The scheme applies only to regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses registered through SAMS, covering both first‑time and re‑admissions.
Under the scheme, students are exempt from admission, re‑admission, and institutional fees, though examination and hostel fees remain payable. Professional, technical, self‑financing, and PPP‑mode institutions are excluded from the coverage.
The SOP also bars state universities and government‑aided colleges from revising fees for regular courses without approval from the Fee Regulation Committee.
Extending beyond the existing KG‑to‑Class VIII coverage, the scheme now includes students from Classes IX to XII and those pursuing UG and PG programmes in government institutions. The initiative is expected to benefit over 32 lakh students annually, marking a major step toward inclusive and equitable education in Odisha.
