The Odisha Cabinet approves the “Gyanodaya – Prosperity through Education” scheme to provide free education from kindergarten through postgraduate level. According to reports, the initiative applies to students admitted to regular courses in government and government-aided institutions. The scheme is set to roll out from the 2026–27 academic session. The government also outlines that eligible students receive a waiver of admission fees, aiming to reduce financial barriers and help address issues such as dropouts.
Multiple outlets report that the state plans to spend about ₹5,467–₹5,468 crore over five years on the program. The scheme is described as benefiting more than 32 lakh students annually. While the framing and naming of the scheme may vary slightly across coverage, all sources indicate the same broad policy: a state-backed waiver-backed education plan covering KG to PG in government and government-aided institutions starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
