THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 24, 2026

In a major push to strengthen higher and technical education, the Odisha Government has announced the establishment of four new universities and two engineering colleges in the current State Budget, marking a historic milestone in the academic landscape of the state. Following the Chief Minister’s budget announcement, Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain has swung into action, directing officials to fast-track the required administrative and statutory processes.

The Minister has written to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department, urging immediate steps to operationalise the proposed institutions within the stipulated timeline. The government’s move is being seen as a transformative initiative that will significantly expand access to quality technical education and create new opportunities for students across regions.

As part of the plan, two new government engineering colleges will be set up in Paradip and Bolangir. The Minister has emphasised close coordination with the respective district administrations and concerned authorities to expedite land allocation, approvals and other formalities so that the institutions become functional without delay. He has also written to the Collectors of Jagatsinghpur and Bolangir, calling for swift action in collaboration with all stakeholders.

In addition, the Budget has announced the establishment of a new university at the Jagatsinghpur district headquarters. The proposed greenfield university is expected to reshape the higher education ecosystem of the district, opening new academic avenues for youth and contributing significantly to the state’s knowledge economy. The Minister has urged the Higher Education Department to accelerate the administrative procedures for the university and has sought proactive coordination at the district level to ensure timely implementation.

For long, there had been a sustained demand for a university and a government engineering college in Jagatsinghpur. The latest Budget has fulfilled these aspirations by offering the district twin academic institutions, a move widely welcomed as a major educational boost for the region. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of the people of Jagatsinghpur, the Minister stated that the expansion of technical education will play a crucial role in realising the vision of a prosperous Odisha while empowering the state’s youth with skills, knowledge and employability.