TV
The Odisha government has taken significant steps to improve hostel facilities for female students pursuing higher education in the state. As per the latest data, 77,722 female students are currently enrolled across various state universities and autonomous colleges.
Apart from State Open University and Madhusudan Law University, there is a provision for hostel facilities for over 20,000 girl students in remaining 15 universities and autonomous colleges. To bridge this gap, the Odisha government has announced substantial funding for hostel construction, renovation, and expansion.
The Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, provided this information in the Odisha Assembly, highlighting the state government’s commitment to improving infrastructure for female students.
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Key allocations include:
Utkal University Rural Campus – Rs 9.60 crore for the construction of a new female students’ hostel.
Utkal University Ladies Hostel Renovation – Rs 5.06 crore allocated for the modernization and renovation of existing facilities.
Rama Devi Women’s University Hostel – Rs 1.46 crore sanctioned.
Manikeswari University SC/ST Ladies Hostel – Rs 8.36 crore allocated for a 300-bed hostel dedicated to students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Dharanidhar University Hostel – A 300-bed facility will be constructed with an investment of Rs 11 crore.
Khalikote Unitary PG Hostel Repair – Rs 31.83 lakh has been sanctioned for renovation work.
Government’s Commitment to Female Education
Speaking in the state legislature, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized that the government is prioritizing women’s education by providing better residential facilities. Safe and well-equipped hostels encourage higher enrolment rates among female students, particularly from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.
The new hostel projects aim to ensure a secure and comfortable living environment, enabling students to focus on academics without concerns about accommodation.
Future Prospects and Government Initiatives
The Odisha government continues to work on improving higher education infrastructure, with plans to expand hostel capacity further in the coming years. These investments are expected to enhance the quality of education, support gender equality, and empower women through accessible higher education opportunities.
With the growing number of female students in the state’s universities and colleges, the hostel expansion projects will play a crucial role in ensuring better living conditions and academic support for thousands of students.
