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Education
Odisha Approves ₹394 Crore Scheme to Provide Free Wi‑Fi Across 601 State Colleges
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 02:03 AM
👁 15
The Odisha government has sanctioned a ₹394 crore programme to install free Wi‑Fi services in all 601 state‑run colleges.
The state cabinet of Odisha gave the green light to a ₹394 crore initiative aimed at providing free wireless internet connectivity in every one of the 601 colleges run by the government. The scheme is expected to cover both academic blocks and hostels, ensuring that students and faculty can access high‑speed internet without charge.
Implementation will be overseen by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with selected telecom providers, who will install the necessary infrastructure over the next twelve months. Funding will be drawn from the state’s education budget, with a portion earmarked for equipment, maintenance and training of technical staff.
Officials said the move is part of Odisha’s broader push to digitise higher education and bridge the digital divide in rural and semi‑urban areas. By offering campus‑wide Wi‑Fi, the government hopes to enhance online learning, research capabilities and overall student engagement.
The scheme aligns with national initiatives such as the Digital India programme, which encourages states to expand broadband access in educational institutions. Once operational, the free Wi‑Fi service will be available to all enrolled students, faculty members and staff across the state’s public colleges.
Implementation will be overseen by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with selected telecom providers, who will install the necessary infrastructure over the next twelve months. Funding will be drawn from the state’s education budget, with a portion earmarked for equipment, maintenance and training of technical staff.
Officials said the move is part of Odisha’s broader push to digitise higher education and bridge the digital divide in rural and semi‑urban areas. By offering campus‑wide Wi‑Fi, the government hopes to enhance online learning, research capabilities and overall student engagement.
The scheme aligns with national initiatives such as the Digital India programme, which encourages states to expand broadband access in educational institutions. Once operational, the free Wi‑Fi service will be available to all enrolled students, faculty members and staff across the state’s public colleges.