Bhubaneswar, 17th Oct 2025: Five state-run universities in Odisha are set to undergo a significant transformation under the Giribhumi Development Fund, with both new constructions and renovation of old buildings planned to be completed within two years.
Among the universities included are:
- Odisha State Open University (OSOU), Sambalpur
- Gangadhar Meher University (GMU), Sambalpur
- Maa Majhigouri University, Baleswar
- Central University of Koraput
- Maa Manikeswari University
The Odisha government has earmarked ₹63 crore for these development works under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme, aiming to modernize academic and administrative infrastructure.
Key Developments Planned
1. Odisha State Open University (Sambalpur):
Construction of smart classrooms, auditoriums, guest rooms, computer centers, and 4 laboratories over 40,195 sq. ft.
Building of 3 residential hostels (including for girls and boys), each accommodating 100 students
Creation of 15 innovation units
Estimated total cost: Rs63 crore
Completion target: within 2 years
2. Gangadhar Meher University (Second Campus):
Development of a second campus with ₹5 crore already sanctioned
26,000 sq. ft. administrative building to be built at ₹8 crore
New 15,900 sq. ft. hall at additional cost
Renovation of existing blocks (administrative block, annex building, hostel repair) at ₹2 crore
Road construction and additional infrastructure works included
3. Maa Manikeswari University:
Rs2 crore spent to establish a modern academic block with smart classrooms and e-library
Rs4 crore for digital infrastructure and science museum
Rs1.68 crore for Tribal Research Center
Rs40 lakh for toilets, Rs80 lakh for two hostels
Renovation of old laboratories and drinking water supply systems
Upgrades to SC/ST hostels and common facilities
Auditorium renovation and administrative building (15,000 sq. ft.) at Rs8 crore
Seminar hall construction at Rs1.41 crore, common room for girls at Rs47 lakh
Toilet block construction at Rs6.69 lakh
Additional renovation of administrative blocks and commerce buildings worth several crores
4. Baleswar University (Maa Majhigouri University):
Hostel infrastructure for boys (100-bed), estimated at Rs8.80 crore
Hostel and classroom block renovations
Rs1 crore allocated for hostel roof repairs
Rs49 lakh for block renovations
₹3.90 lakh for installing ACs in reading rooms, RG Cell, and student support rooms
These development projects are expected to significantly enhance the academic, residential, and administrative infrastructure of the universities. The move is aimed at modernizing the higher education ecosystem in Odisha, making it more inclusive, tech-driven, and conducive to research and innovation.
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