> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Odisha approves free Wi-Fi and daily internet data for students in 601 colleges - URL: https://newsanek.com/odisha-free-wifi-601-colleges-shiksha-setu/ - Published: 2026-11-10T12:31:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-10T12:50:29.000Z - Description: The scheme will cost Rs 393.62 crore and run from 2026-27 to 2028-29. Experts have raised concerns about misuse and network management, along with the benefits. - Author: Kumar Ujjwal - Tags: India, Odisha, Explainer, #sub-education, #sub-money-finance, #state-odisha, #state-desk, #region-east, #sm-58, #smemo-useful, #tl-59eae3 The Odisha government has approved free high-speed Wi-Fi for 601 government and government-aided colleges across the state. The state cabinet took the decision on Monday, November 9. Under the scheme, every registered student can get up to 1 GB of free internet data each day on campus. GB stands for gigabyte, a unit used to measure internet data. The official name of the scheme is Odisha Shiksha Setu. The government has set aside Rs 393.62 crore for it. Odisha's free Wi-Fi scheme at a glance **Rs 393.62 crore**Budget set aside for the scheme **601 colleges**Colleges covered **More than 6 lakh**Students and faculty to benefit **1 GB**Daily free internet per student Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report A crore is ten million rupees. ### Key points - Free high-speed Wi-Fi for 601 government and aided colleges. - Up to 1 GB of free data per day for each registered student. - Rs 393.62 crore budget, running from 2026-27 to 2028-29. - More than six lakh students and faculty members expected to benefit. ## Who will benefit from this scheme? The government says more than six lakh students and faculty members will benefit. A lakh is one hundred thousand. The state expects the scheme to help students from rural and remote areas. It may also help students from economically weaker families. Students will be able to use e-books, digital libraries and online classes. They can also access mock tests and competitive exam material. ## What concerns have been raised? Experts have warned that free internet could distract some students. Some may spend more time on social media and online games. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks may also expose personal information to theft and hacking. Strong cybersecurity will be needed. Keeping services running across 601 colleges will need regular spending on installation and maintenance. Internet speed may also fall when many students connect together. ## What happens next with the rollout? Wi-Fi has already been provided at 130 colleges in the first phase. The remaining colleges will be covered over the next few years. A central monitoring system will track bandwidth, cybersecurity and content filtering. The cabinet also approved other decisions on the same day, including removing the attempt limit for the Odisha Civil Services Examination. Explainer ### What happened before - The Odisha State Cabinet approved 13 proposals from 10 departments on Monday, November 9. - Wi-Fi facilities have already been provided at 130 colleges in the first phase of the rollout. ### Why it matters The scheme aims to reduce the digital divide, especially for students from rural areas and weaker economic backgrounds. ### What to watch next - The scheme will cover all 601 government and aided colleges over three years, from 2026-27 to 2028-29. --- ### Sources - [thedailyjagran.com: Odisha Shikshanet Scheme: Free High-Speed Wi-Fi And 1 GB Daily Data Approved For Students Across 601 Colleges](https://www.thedailyjagran.com/education/news/odisha-shikshanet-scheme-free-highspeed-wifi-and-1-gb-daily-data-approved-for-students-across-601-colleges-10335776?ref=newsanek.com) - [Times Now: Odisha Government Approves Free Wi-Fi Scheme For 601 Colleges; Over 6 Lakh To Benefit](https://www.timesnownews.com/education/odisha-government-approves-free-wi-fi-scheme-for-601-colleges-over-6-lakh-to-benefit-article-156488088?ref=newsanek.com) - [Odisha TV: Free internet for students! Odisha rolls out Wi-Fi scheme for government, aided colleges](https://odishatv.in/odisha/free-internet-for-students-odisha-rolls-out-wi-fi-scheme-for-government-aided-colleges-12798314?ref=newsanek.com)