Bhubaneswar, Nov 2026 : In a major push towards digital education and improved internet access in higher education institutions, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a Rs 393.62-crore scheme to provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity to 601 government and aided colleges across the state over the next three years.
The initiative, titled 'Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to all Colleges and Universities', will be implemented from the 2026-27 financial year to 2028-29. It is expected to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members by improving access to online educational resources, digital academic platforms and government services.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said that every authenticated student would be eligible for up to 1 GB of free internet data every day within the college campus. The facility is aimed at ensuring that students can access digital learning material without having to depend entirely on personal mobile data or paid internet connections.
The Wi-Fi service will enable students to use e-books, digital libraries, online lectures, virtual classrooms, research databases, competitive examination preparation material and various online courses. It is expected to particularly benefit students from rural, remote and economically weaker backgrounds, who often face difficulties accessing reliable internet connectivity outside educational institutions.
Expansion of digital education infrastructure
The latest approval builds on the first phase of Odisha Shikshanet, under which Wi-Fi facilities have already been established in 130 colleges. The new phase will substantially expand the network, taking the initiative to 601 government and aided colleges and strengthening the state's digital higher education infrastructure.
The project will involve the installation of Wi-Fi equipment, provision of high-speed bandwidth, network management systems, cybersecurity arrangements and operation and maintenance support. The government also plans to establish a centralised monitoring dashboard to track network performance, service availability, security and utilisation across participating institutions.
The monitoring mechanism is expected to help authorities identify technical issues, ensure service quality and maintain the reliability of internet connectivity at the college level.
Beyond academic content, Odisha Shikshanet will facilitate access to important digital government platforms, including the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS) and scholarship portals.
Students will be able to complete admission-related procedures, check academic records, apply for scholarships and access other higher education services directly from their college campuses. This is expected to reduce the need to visit cybercafes or arrange external internet facilities for routine academic and administrative requirements.
Focus on bridging the digital divide
One of the key objectives of the scheme is to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural educational institutions. While students in cities generally have better access to broadband connections, smartphones and computers, those studying in smaller towns and remote areas often face limitations in accessing online educational resources.
By providing free campus-based internet connectivity, the state government aims to create more equal opportunities for students, irrespective of their economic background or geographical location.
The initiative is also expected to encourage technology-enabled teaching, improve digital literacy and support research and skill development. Access to online courses and educational databases could help students supplement classroom learning and explore additional academic and professional opportunities.
The scheme is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Digital India programme. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.
Other states expanding free internet access
Odisha joins several states that have introduced free internet connectivity programmes to improve students' access to digital education.
Bihar, under its Saat Nischay programme, introduced the 'Free Wi-Fi Connectivity in all Universities and Colleges' component of the Aarthik Hal, Yuvaon Ko Bal initiative. The programme provides students with internet access to download study materials and use online educational resources, with a focus on promoting digital literacy and improving learning opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
Rajasthan has also introduced free Wi-Fi facilities in government colleges to help students access digital educational content and pursue Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
Kerala, meanwhile, operates the K-Fi public Wi-Fi programme across nearly 2,000 public locations. Unlike Odisha's college-focused initiative, the Kerala programme is a broader public connectivity project intended to improve internet access across different parts of the state.
With an investment of Rs 393.62 crore, Odisha Shikshanet is expected to strengthen the state's digital education ecosystem over the next three years. By extending free and secure internet access to hundreds of colleges, the government aims to make online learning more affordable, improve access to academic resources and create better opportunities for students to pursue higher education, research and professional skill development.
