Odisha to launch PM-USHA programme with focus on education reform

Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: In a key development, the Odisha Higher Education Department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Education at Krishi Bhavan to implement the PM-USHA program in the state. The initiative is set to launch during the 2025-26 academic year.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the initiative, calling it a testament to the success of the “double-engine government” and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership. He stressed that education should rise above political differences and reaffirmed the state's commitment to effectively implementing the program, which aims to create a brighter future for students. The PM-USHA program is expected to bring transformative changes to Odisha's education system, including infrastructure upgrades, human resource and skill development, research, and vocational training.

Majhi also announced plans to grant autonomy to universities, fulfilling an election promise, and highlighted the establishment of 18 new government colleges in remote areas. Furthermore, the state government is working on setting up 26 language laboratories to preserve and promote Odisha’s tribal languages. He added that under the guidance of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the state is taking all necessary steps to implement the National Education Policy 2020, with the PM-USHA program enhancing the policy’s five core pillars.