Odisha Hosts National NEP Workshop; ShaktiShree App and Internship Guidelines Unveiled

Bhubaneswar, May, 2026 : In a significant push towards transforming higher education, the Odisha government launched the ShaktiShree mobile application and unveiled a comprehensive Internship Guideline Book during a two-day national workshop held at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar.

The ShaktiShree App, launched by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, is aimed at strengthening support systems for female students by enhancing safety and accessibility within higher education institutions and to empower the girl students.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released the Internship Guidelines Book, a key document designed to integrate academic learning with real-world exposure. The guidelines seek to make students industry-ready by promoting internships, community engagement and skill-based learning—core principles of the NEP framework.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that education is not limited to textbooks but is the foundation of progress and innovation. He reiterated the government’s vision to transform Odisha into a leading knowledge hub of the country, ensuring that students are equipped to compete at the global level.

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that NEP-2020 is not merely a policy but a national mission to position India as a global knowledge capital. He praised Odisha for its unique blend of culture and education and underscored the importance of skill development and innovation in shaping the future workforce.

Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj described the initiative as a transformative step, stating, “The launch of the ShaktiShree App and the internship guidelines marks a new phase in Odisha’s higher education journey. These initiatives will empower students, especially girl students, with the tools, exposure and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”

The workshop served as a platform for policymakers, academicians and institutional leaders to deliberate on effective implementation strategies for NEP-2020. Discussions focused on enhancing Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), promoting multidisciplinary education and fostering industry-academia collaboration.

With the launch of the ShaktiShree App and the internship guidelines, Odisha has taken a decisive step, aiming to create a more inclusive, skill-oriented and future-ready higher education ecosystem.

Amlan Das