The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, on Friday organised a sensitisation workshop on the Odisha Vision Document 2036 and 2047—Vikshit Odisha for Vikshit Bharat—bringing together Vice Chancellors of universities, Principals of colleges and Regional Directors of Education.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the programme as the chief guest and underscored the central role of higher education institutions in realising the state and national development goals.

Focus on Higher Education in Vision 2036 and 2047

Addressing the academic leadership, the Minister highlighted that universities and colleges would be key drivers in achieving the objectives of Vikshit Odisha 2036 and Vikshit Bharat 2047. He emphasised the need for coordinated and focused efforts across institutions to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the higher education sector.

Four Key Parameters Identified

The Odisha Vision Document has identified four major parameters to strengthen higher education in the state. These include raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) to 50 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047, ensuring gender parity and greater inclusion of students from backward sections, and improving the employability of graduates.

The roadmap also envisions establishing at least two higher education institutions in every block and one Multidisciplinary Education and Research University in each district by 2047. Additionally, the state aims to place at least two Odisha institutions among the world’s top 500 universities by 2036.

Emphasis on Inclusion and Social Equity

The workshop highlighted inclusion-oriented initiatives undertaken by the state government. An 11.25 per cent reservation has been introduced for SEBC students in higher education admissions. The Minister also referred to the Cabinet’s approval of the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Bill, 2025, which seeks to bring in a uniform reservation framework for direct recruitment of teachers across all State Public Universities.

Support for Global Higher Education Aspirations

The Videsh Sikhshya Bruti Scheme was also highlighted during the programme. Under the scheme, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from families with an annual income below ₹12 lakh are eligible for scholarships of up to ₹50 lakh over two years to pursue higher studies abroad.

Departmental Initiatives and Strategic Guidance

On the occasion, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department Arvind Agrawal presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing initiatives and outlined strategies for Vice Chancellors and Principals to meet the targets set in the Vision Document.

Additional Secretary Dharanidhar Nanda delivered the welcome address, while Additional Secretary Dhirendra Nath Kar conducted the proceedings of the workshop.

Roadmap for Inclusive Growth

The workshop concluded with a renewed emphasis on the government’s vision of ensuring access to education for all. The academic community was urged to play a decisive role in translating the goals of Vikshit Odisha 2036 and Vikshit Bharat 2047 into tangible outcomes across the higher education landscape of the state.