In a historic step towards inclusive and accessible education, the Odisha Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, to offer a wide range of higher education courses in the Odia language. The MoU was officially signed by the Department of Higher Education, Odisha, at a ceremony held in Bhubaneswar on Monday, in the presence of Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Calling it a “historic milestone in Odisha’s education landscape,” the Minister emphasized that the move will help break down language barriers in higher education and make learning more inclusive for students across the state.

Under this agreement, IGNOU will now offer undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and professional courses, including BBA and MBA, in Odia. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes education in regional languages to encourage creativity, reduce dropout rates, and boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said, “With this MoU, language will no longer remain a barrier to education. Students can now pursue higher studies in their mother tongue, which will make learning more engaging and accessible.” The initiative has received positive feedback from students across the state, many of whom attended the event virtually. Several expressed excitement about being able to study complex subjects in Odia, making education more relatable and easier to grasp.

This agreement will also facilitate the introduction of Odia-medium vocational courses in areas such as travel and tourism management, skill development, and other job-oriented disciplines. The move is especially significant for students in rural and tribal regions of Odisha, where language barriers often limit access to higher education and professional growth.