The Odisha government has approved a Rs 393.62 crore initiative to provide free high-speed internet connectivity across government and aided colleges in the state, aiming to strengthen digital access to higher education. The Odisha Cabinet ratified the implementation of the flagship scheme, Odisha Shiksha Setu – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to All Colleges and Universities, on November 9.The scheme will be implemented over three financial years, from 2026-27 to 2028-29. Under the initiative, 601 government and aided higher education institutions will be covered, with 130 colleges scheduled to receive the facility in the first phase.According to the Higher Education Department’s announcement, the programme is intended to improve students’ access to digital learning resources, research facilities and online academic platforms through secure and high-speed campus internet connectivity.
Students to receive up to 1 GB free internet data daily
Under the approved framework, every authenticated student will be eligible for up to 1 GB of free internet data per day while on campus. The facility will be restricted to academic, research and skill development activities, providing students with access to online educational resources without depending entirely on personal mobile data connections.The initiative is expected to be particularly useful for students who have limited access to reliable internet connectivity outside educational institutions. By extending the facility across government and aided colleges, the state aims to make digital learning resources more accessible to students from different economic backgrounds.The proposed infrastructure will include Wi-Fi installation, bandwidth provisioning, network management, cybersecurity arrangements, and operational and maintenance support. The government will also introduce a centralised monitoring dashboard to track service delivery, network security, uptime, and the utilisation of internet facilities across participating institutions.
Digital libraries, SWAYAM and research resources among facilities
The Odisha Shiksha Setu scheme is designed to support a wider range of academic activities beyond basic internet access. Students will be able to use the campus Wi-Fi facility to access e-books, digital libraries, virtual classrooms, and online learning platforms.The list of resources includes SWAYAM and other Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), research databases, competitive examination preparation materials, and digital skill development platforms.The connectivity is also expected to facilitate access to government education-related services, including the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS), and scholarship portals.Access to these platforms is expected to simplify the use of digital academic services and help students remain connected with institutional and government systems.
Over six lakh students and faculty members expected to benefit
More than six lakh students and faculty members across government and aided higher education institutions are expected to benefit from the initiative.The government has placed particular emphasis on students from rural and remote regions, as well as those belonging to economically weaker sections. Limited internet connectivity and the cost of mobile data often restrict access to online learning resources, creating disparities between students with different levels of digital access.By making campus-based internet facilities available, the scheme seeks to address these barriers and narrow the digital divide in higher education.The phased rollout, beginning with 130 institutions, will precede the expansion of the facility to the remaining eligible colleges. The overall allocation of Rs 393.62 crore will support infrastructure development, connectivity, cybersecurity, and maintenance during the three-year implementation period.
Scheme aligned with NEP 2020 and Odisha Vision 2036
The Odisha government has positioned the initiative within its broader efforts to modernise higher education institutions and expand the state’s digital education infrastructure.The scheme is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Digital India programme. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9 and 10, which focus on quality education, industry and innovation infrastructure, and reduced inequalities, respectively.The initiative is also linked to Odisha Vision 2036, the state’s long-term development roadmap.With an investment of nearly Rs 394 crore and a proposed reach of more than six lakh beneficiaries, Odisha Shiksha Setu marks a major expansion of digital infrastructure across the state’s government and aided higher education institutions. Its implementation will be crucial in determining how effectively students across urban, rural, and remote regions can access digital academic resources.
