Bhubaneswar, July 14: The Odisha government has issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the ambitious Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi Scheme, clearing the way for the implementation of its flagship KG-to-PG free education programme from the current academic session. The initiative aims to ensure that no student is forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints.

The guidelines, released by the Higher Education Department, outline eligibility criteria, fee exemptions, reimbursement procedures and implementation mechanisms to ensure transparency and smooth execution of the scheme.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the SOP would make the implementation process transparent and guarantee that all eligible students receive the benefits. He also warned that educational institutions covered under the scheme would not be allowed to increase fees arbitrarily.

The scheme significantly expands the scope of free education by covering students from Classes IX to XII, along with those pursuing regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses in government universities, government colleges and government-aided colleges. More than 32 lakh students are expected to benefit annually.

Students who have already paid admission fees during the first phase of admissions will receive a full refund. The refunded amount will be credited directly to the bank account used for the payment.

To ensure institutions receive adequate financial support, the government has introduced a phased reimbursement system. Colleges will receive funds in five instalments throughout the academic year, enabling them to meet operational expenses while ensuring uninterrupted implementation of the scheme.

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