Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the state government to ensure the inclusion of a third gender/transgender option in application forms for examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The directive followed a petition filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who pointed out that the online application forms…
Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) may cease to exist in its current form as the Union government moves ahead with a sweeping overhaul of India’s higher education regulatory framework. The government has introduced the Developed India Education Foundation Bill, 2025 (also referred to as the VBEA Bill, 2025) in Parliament, proposing to replace existing…
Bhubaneswar: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, education and extension activities. The agreement aims to promote the exchange of students, scientists and faculty members, along with sharing research methodologies, technologies and scientific…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s decision to increase expenditure on uniforms, shoes, and sweaters for Anganwadi children under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana reflects a subtle but important shift in early childhood welfare policy—from minimum compliance to quality assurance. At a fiscal level, the hike addresses a long-standing gap between sanctioned costs and market…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to roll out artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled virtual classrooms and a digital assessment system across more than 5,000 secondary and higher secondary schools in the state, marking a major push toward technology-driven education. The initiative, being implemented by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), is aimed at bridging learning…
Bhubaneswar: India is steadily transforming its education and skill-development landscape through a range of free, government-backed digital learning platforms that cater to students, professionals, and lifelong learners across the country. From school education to advanced technical and professional courses, these initiatives aim to make quality learning accessible, affordable, and inclusive. Among the key platforms driving…
Bhubaneswar: Dipti Mahapatra has created history by becoming the first transgender individual in Odisha to be selected for a PhD under the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the Odia language at Utkal University. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for academic inclusion and representation of transgender scholars in higher education. Mahapatra will pursue research focused…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to address school dropout rates, the Odisha government has announced a complete waiver of admission and examination fees for dropout and out-of-school children aged between 14 and 18 years. The decision aims to encourage students to resume their education through the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS). According to officials,…
Bhubaneswar: India marked National Girl Child Day on January 24, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the rights, health, education and overall well-being of girls across the country. Observed annually since 2008, the day aims to raise awareness against gender-based discrimination and highlight the need to ensure equal opportunities for girls. Political leaders across party lines…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a special enrolment drive to significantly increase the number of civil defence volunteers across the state, following concerns over a sharp decline in active personnel. The initiative aims to raise the strength of the force to 10,000 volunteers by March, officials said. At present, Odisha has only about 1,071…