📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Government of Odisha
Education
Odisha Cabinet Approves Free Wi‑Fi for 601 Colleges
✍️ Sambad English
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 02:17 AM
👁 18
The state cabinet has given its approval to provide free Wi‑Fi connectivity across 601 higher‑education institutions in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In a move aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure in higher education, the state cabinet approved a scheme to install free Wi‑Fi services in 601 colleges across Odisha. The decision, announced during the recent cabinet meeting, is part of the government's broader effort to bridge the digital divide and support students' academic and research needs.
The rollout will be coordinated by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with telecom providers, who will ensure broadband connectivity and maintenance. Colleges will receive the necessary hardware and technical support to set up campus‑wide wireless networks, with costs largely borne by the state.
Officials expect the initiative to improve access to online learning resources, especially in rural and semi‑urban institutions where internet penetration remains low. The scheme is slated to begin implementation within the next few months, subject to final budget allocations.
The cabinet's endorsement reflects Odisha's continued focus on digital empowerment, aligning with national policies such as the Digital India programme. Stakeholders, including student bodies and faculty associations, have welcomed the move, citing potential benefits for remote education and skill development.
The government will monitor progress through periodic reviews and will consider expanding the program to additional institutions based on performance metrics and feedback.
The rollout will be coordinated by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with telecom providers, who will ensure broadband connectivity and maintenance. Colleges will receive the necessary hardware and technical support to set up campus‑wide wireless networks, with costs largely borne by the state.
Officials expect the initiative to improve access to online learning resources, especially in rural and semi‑urban institutions where internet penetration remains low. The scheme is slated to begin implementation within the next few months, subject to final budget allocations.
The cabinet's endorsement reflects Odisha's continued focus on digital empowerment, aligning with national policies such as the Digital India programme. Stakeholders, including student bodies and faculty associations, have welcomed the move, citing potential benefits for remote education and skill development.
The government will monitor progress through periodic reviews and will consider expanding the program to additional institutions based on performance metrics and feedback.