Odisha and J&K roll out free education and fee‑waiver schemes

The Odisha government announced the ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi’ programme, providing free education from kindergarten through postgraduate studies in government and government‑aided institutions. Admission fees will be fully waived for regular courses, while self‑financing, professional and technical programmes are excluded. The state plans to spend about ₹895 crore annually, totalling roughly ₹5,467 crore over five years, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi citing the need to prevent financial barriers to schooling.

Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir administration issued an order waiving all school fees for students from Antyodaya Anna Yojana families in classes IX to XII at government schools. Effective 8 July 2026, the measure aims to curb dropouts among the poorest households. Schools must verify eligibility, maintain records, and the government will reimburse any fiscal impact. Officials expect the waiver to benefit thousands of students and improve secondary‑level enrolment.