Bhubaneswar: Access to digital learning and opportunities in public service have received a boost in Odisha, with the state Cabinet approving two decisions aimed at reducing barriers for students and civil services aspirants.
The Cabinet has approved the expansion of free campus Wi-Fi under the Odisha Shikshanet scheme and removed the restriction on the number of attempts for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination. Together, the decisions address two different stages of opportunity: access to learning resources during college and a fairer chance to compete for government positions.
Under the Odisha Shikshanet scheme, the government will provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi in 601 Government and Aided Colleges across the state. The scheme has an approved outlay of Rs 393.62 crore for three years, covering FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29. It builds on the first phase, which covered 130 colleges.
Every authenticated student will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free data per day within the campus. The facility is intended to support academic learning, research and skill development, with particular relevance for students from rural, remote and economically weaker backgrounds who may have limited access to reliable internet outside their institutions.
The project goes beyond setting up Wi-Fi connections. It includes infrastructure, bandwidth, network management, cybersecurity and ongoing maintenance. A centralised monitoring dashboard will track network performance, service availability, security and usage.
Students will be able to access digital libraries, e-books, virtual classrooms, SWAYAM and other online courses, research databases, competitive examination material and digital skill development platforms. The network will also support access to government services and portals, including SAMS, HIMS and scholarship platforms.
The government expects the scheme to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members. By extending digital access within college campuses, the initiative seeks to make online learning resources more accessible, irrespective of students’ economic or geographical backgrounds.
The second Cabinet decision addresses access to public employment. The Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, has approved an amendment to the Odisha Civil Services (Combined Competitive Recruitment Examination) Rules, 1991, removing the limit on the number of attempts for the OCS Examination.
Under the revised provision, candidates who fulfil the prescribed age and other eligibility conditions will be able to appear for the examination without any restriction on the number of attempts. The move is expected to give aspirants greater flexibility and more opportunities to compete for state civil services positions.
The Wi-Fi initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, Digital India and Sustainable Development Goals 4, 9 and 10, covering quality education, infrastructure and reduced inequalities. It also forms part of the state’s broader development goals under Odisha Vision 2036.
While one decision seeks to improve access to knowledge and digital resources, the other widens the opportunity to enter public service. Together, they reflect a broader approach to expanding access to education and merit-based career opportunities in the state.
BI Bureau
