The Odisha Cabinet has approved the landmark ‘Gyanodaya – Prosperity through Education’ scheme, extending free education from Kindergarten to Postgraduate level in government and government-aided institutions from the 2026-27 academic session. Backed by a ₹5,467.55 crore five-year outlay, the initiative is set to benefit over 32 lakh students annually while aiming to curb dropouts and remove financial barriers to higher education.