No Fees, No Limits: Odisha Makes Education Free for Every Student from KG to PG

Education has long been hailed as the great equaliser. Now, Odisha is taking that belief a step further.In a historic announcement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared that education in the state will be “free and universal” from kindergarten to postgraduate level, making Odisha one of the first states in India to offer such comprehensive educational support. The announcement came as the BJP government completed two years in office, marking what many are calling a game-changing moment for the state's future.The decision is expected to benefit more than 10 lakh students and could significantly expand access to higher education, especially for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.A Dream Come True for StudentsFor many families, the cost of higher education often becomes a hurdle after school. While education up to Class 10 was already free in Odisha, students pursuing college and university studies still had to bear admission and tuition-related expenses. That barrier is now set to disappear.Under the new policy, students enrolling in government colleges and universities will no longer have to pay fees, allowing thousands of aspiring doctors, engineers, teachers, researchers, and professionals to continue their education without financial anxiety. Calling the initiative a landmark reform, Chief Minister Majhi said the move would particularly help students from economically weaker sections who often struggle to pursue higher studies despite having the talent and determination to succeed.The ambitious programme is expected to cost the state around Rs 30 crore annually. Yet, the government views it as an investment rather than an expense.More Teachers, Better LearningThe government's vision extends beyond affordability. Alongside the free education announcement, Majhi revealed plans to recruit more than 45,000 teachers in the coming years. This comes after over 26,000 teachers were already appointed during the past two years.The large-scale recruitment drive is expected to improve student-teacher ratios, enhance classroom learning, and strengthen educational outcomes across the state. Quality education, officials say, requires not only access but also strong academic support, and the additional teachers are expected to play a crucial role in achieving that goal.As reported in The Indian Express, Odisha is also preparing to expand its higher education infrastructure. The Chief Minister announced that four new universities will soon be established in the state, with budgetary provisions already in place. Building Opportunities Through EducationThe KG-to-PG initiative reflects a broader vision of development that places human capital at its centre. As Odisha invests in highways, expressways, economic corridors, and infrastructure projects, it is simultaneously investing in its most valuable resource—its people.For countless students who once worried about the cost of college, the message is clear: their ambitions no longer have a price tag. And as classrooms across Odisha prepare to welcome the next generation of learners, the state has sent a powerful signal that education should be a right, not a privilege.