Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Odisha has recorded a significant rise in undergraduate admissions following the implementation of the Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme, with 14,758 additional students enrolling in regular undergraduate courses during the current academic year.

According to the Higher Education Department, a total of 1,78,937 students enrolled in regular undergraduate courses this year, compared to 1,64,179 in the previous academic year.

The scheme, introduced from the current academic year under the Gyanodaya – KG to PG Free Education initiative, aims to make higher education more accessible to eligible students and promote inclusive education across the state.

Aspirational Districts Record High Admission Rates

Aspirational districts have reported particularly encouraging admission figures. Kalahandi topped the list with a 99.09% admission rate, followed by Koraput at 98.82%, Balangir at 95.57%, Malkangiri at 95.37% and Nuapada at 94.64%.

The progress of the scheme was reviewed during a meeting of the Higher Education Department chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

48 Government Colleges to Get Principal Posts

The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen the administrative and academic infrastructure of higher education institutions.

As many as 48 new Principal posts have been created in 48 Government Degree Colleges. With this development, all 66 Government Degree Colleges in Odisha now have sanctioned Principal posts, compared to just 18 colleges earlier.

Additionally, 262 new posts have been created across 17 state universities following a rationalisation exercise. These include administrative, accounts, library and examination-related positions.

Recruitment for 1,819 Teaching Vacancies Underway

The department informed the Minister that recruitment is underway to fill 1,819 vacant teaching positions in colleges and universities.

Of these, 385 posts are for Assistant Professors (Stage-I) in 66 Government Degree Colleges, while 1,434 posts of Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors are to be filled across 17 state universities.

The State Selection Board has also conducted recruitment examinations and declared results for more than 2,800 vacancies across different categories over the past two years. For the current year, recruitment notifications have been issued for 1,557 posts.

Minister Emphasises Quality Higher Education

Speaking at the meeting, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed satisfaction over the rise in undergraduate admissions, particularly in aspirational districts.

He said the Gyanodaya scheme is helping realise the vision of "Education for All and Higher Education for All" by improving access to higher education.

The Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to strengthening higher education institutions through the creation of additional posts and expediting recruitment to fill vacancies. He also directed officials to ensure effective implementation of departmental schemes and complete ongoing projects within stipulated timelines.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department Aravind Agrawal, Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mahapatra and other senior officials attended the review meeting.