Odisha aims to put 2 educational institutions among world’s top 500 by 2036

In a major move to strengthen higher education, the Odisha government has plans to raise two of its educational institutions to the world’s top 500 by 2036, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj informed on Friday.

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The State also aims to achieve 50% enrolment in higher education institutions by 2036. Addressing a conference in Bhubaneswar on the role of higher education in developing Odisha, the Minister highlighted the importance of academic quality, student safety, and overall institutional accountability.

Minister Suryabanshi instructed university and college authorities to implement a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for student safety issues and ensure that Internal Complaint Committees function effectively. He stressed that these committees should actively address problems rather than leaving issues to informal resolution by staff.

The Minister also emphasised the role of vice-chancellors, principals, and faculty in ensuring that students receive proper care, nutrition, and academic support.

“As part of the 2036 vision, Odisha plans to place two of its institutions in the global top 500 and promote the use of Odia in curricula, with over 500 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate textbooks already translated,” a senior official said.

Plans are also underway to provide scholarships for international students, with Rs 50 lakh allocated for meritorious but economically disadvantaged students to study in the world’s top 200 universities.

Programmes supporting women faculty, student safety, and overall security are being strengthened under initiatives like ‘Shakti Shree’.

“The PM had unveiled the ‘Odisha Vision 2036-2047’ document during his visit to the State on the occasion of 1-year completion of the BJP-led government in Odisha. Constructive suggestions were placed in it to bolster higher education in the State. The vision document must not remain on paper, but rather be executed in letter and spirit,” the Minister said.