Bhubaneswar, November 14, 2026: In a major initiative to strengthen digital education, the Odisha government has approved a ₹393.62 crore scheme to provide free high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity across 601 government and government-aided colleges in the state.

Named Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility, the initiative aims to improve access to digital learning resources and reduce the digital divide among college students, particularly those from rural, remote and economically weaker backgrounds.

The scheme was approved by the Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. It will be implemented over three financial years, from 2026–27 to 2028–29.

According to the government, the initiative is expected to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members across the state. Business Standard

Students to Receive 1 GB of Free Internet Every Day

One of the most important features of the Odisha Shikshanet scheme is the provision of free daily internet data to students.

Every authenticated student will be eligible for up to 1 GB of free high-speed internet data per day while accessing the Wi-Fi facility within their college campus.

The facility is expected to help students access online educational resources without depending entirely on personal mobile data plans or paid internet connections.

Students will be able to use the facility for:

• Downloading e-books and digital study materials.
• Accessing online lectures and virtual classrooms.
• Using digital libraries and research databases.
• Preparing for competitive examinations.
• Enrolling in online certification and skill-development courses.
• Accessing academic information and educational portals.

The initiative is expected to make digital learning more accessible to students across different socio-economic backgrounds. The New Indian Express

Which Colleges Will Benefit from the Odisha Shikshanet Scheme?

The programme will cover 601 government and government-aided colleges across Odisha.

The expansion builds upon the first phase of Odisha Shikshanet, under which Wi-Fi connectivity has already been provided to 130 colleges.

The latest expansion will significantly increase the reach of the programme, particularly benefiting students studying in smaller towns and rural areas where access to reliable internet connectivity may be limited.

More than six lakh students and faculty members are expected to benefit from the initiative. Business Standard

₹393.62 Crore Allocated for Digital Infrastructure

The Odisha government has earmarked ₹393.62 crore for implementing the scheme over three years.

The project will involve more than simply installing wireless internet equipment. It will include several infrastructure and technology-related components to ensure reliable connectivity across participating institutions.

The major components include:

1. Installation of Wi-Fi infrastructure across selected colleges.
2. Provision of high-speed internet bandwidth.
3. Network management and technical support.
4. Cybersecurity arrangements to protect users.
5. Regular operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.
6. A centralised monitoring dashboard to track network performance, security and service availability.

The monitoring system is expected to help authorities assess connectivity and ensure that the facilities remain functional. Business Standard

Students Can Access SWAYAM, Digital Libraries and Competitive Exam Resources

The availability of free internet on college campuses is expected to support several digital education initiatives.

Students will be able to access platforms such as SWAYAM and other Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which offer online courses across various academic disciplines.

The facility will also support access to:

• Digital academic libraries.
• Online research publications.
• Competitive examination preparation materials.
• Digital skill-development platforms.
• Virtual learning environments.
• Government scholarship portals.

The Wi-Fi facility will also support access to government education services, including the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) and Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS).

This could make it easier for students to access academic records, complete admission-related formalities and apply for scholarships online. Business Standard

Focus on Rural and Economically Disadvantaged Students

A major objective of the Odisha Shikshanet scheme is to bridge the digital divide in higher education.

While students in urban areas often have access to broadband connections and personal digital devices, students from economically weaker families and remote locations may face difficulties accessing online educational resources.

By providing free internet connectivity within college campuses, the government aims to create more equal learning opportunities.

The initiative is also expected to encourage digital literacy, online research and independent learning among college students.

Scheme Aligned with National Education Policy 2020

The Odisha Shikshanet initiative is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Digital India programme.

The scheme also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 4: Quality Education.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Through improved digital infrastructure, Odisha aims to strengthen its higher education ecosystem and prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven employment environment. Business Standard

A Significant Step Towards Digital Higher Education

The Odisha Shikshanet scheme represents an important investment in the state’s higher education infrastructure.

Providing free Wi-Fi and daily internet data to students across 601 colleges could improve access to educational resources, particularly for those who cannot afford regular internet subscriptions.

However, the success of the initiative will depend on reliable connectivity, adequate bandwidth, cybersecurity and effective maintenance across participating institutions.

With an investment of ₹393.62 crore and an expected reach of more than six lakh beneficiaries, the programme could become an important model for expanding digital learning opportunities in India’s government and aided colleges.