Odisha’s Cabinet approves a five-year scheme to provide free education from kindergarten (KG) through postgraduate (PG) levels. Multiple reports say the government will spend about ₹5,467–₹5,468 crore over the period and that the programme is designed to benefit more than 32 lakh students each year. The scheme covers students admitted in the regular mode to courses in government and government-aided institutions, which are described as the qualifying settings for fee waivers. According to the reporting, eligible students receive a complete waiver of admission fees as part of the scheme. The initiative is planned to begin with the 2026–27 academic session. The overall intent is presented consistently across sources as improving access to education by reducing financial barriers and supporting affordability and equity. The approval by the Cabinet indicates the state’s move to formalise funding and roll out the education waiver framework across KG to PG levels, with the cost spread across the next five years.