Odisha Universities Get ₹670 Cr Under PM-USHA

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to higher education and research, four universities in Odisha have been sanctioned ₹670 crore under the Prime Minister Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), announced Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister.

The funds will benefit Ravenshaw University, Berhampur University, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (Mayurbhanj), and Sambalpur University, which collectively received ₹400 crore to enhance infrastructure and academic facilities.

Additionally, universities located in Odisha’s aspirational districts – Vikram Deb Autonomous College (Koraput), Rajendra University (Balangir), and Kalahandi University (Kalahandi) – have been allotted ₹20 crore each. Odisha State Open University (Sambalpur) will receive ₹20 crore under a separate Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Education.

The sanctioned funds will support the development of smart classrooms, laboratories, academic buildings, libraries, and e-libraries. Universities must submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to outline their plans. The initiative aims to foster high-quality research and improve educational infrastructure across the state.