Odisha launches ₹394 crore Wi-Fi scheme for 601 state colleges

The Odisha cabinet has greenlit a ₹394 crore investment to establish wireless internet connectivity across 601 government and aided colleges throughout the state. The Odisha Shikshanet scheme aims to bridge the digital divide in higher education by providing students and educators with consistent access to online learning resources.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive up to 1 GB of free internet access daily, enabling them to participate in digital classrooms, access educational materials, and conduct research online. The scheme is projected to benefit approximately six lakh students and faculty members across the state's higher education ecosystem.

The investment underscores Odisha's commitment to modernizing its educational infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to digital learning tools. The Wi-Fi rollout is expected to enhance the quality of higher education delivery and support the state's broader digital transformation agenda.

The implementation of Shikshanet comes as Indian states increasingly prioritize digital connectivity in educational institutions to facilitate hybrid and distance learning models. The initiative aligns with national objectives to strengthen technology adoption in the education sector and prepare students for a digitalized economy.