Odisha state Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj(File photo | Express)
Updated on: 23 Aug 2026, 3:20 am
BHUBANESWAR: The state government is set to introduce AI-related courses in higher educational institutions (HEIs) and strengthen startup ecosystem in universities to offer advanced learning and promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of vice-chancellors, registrars and PG Council chairpersons chaired by Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj at Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday.
The minister emphasised the need to build a stronger startup ecosystem across universities and called for greater support to innovation and entrepreneurship. He also stressed the importance of developing the skills of faculty members and students in artificial intelligence (AI) and incorporating AI-related courses into university curricula.
The meeting reviewed the overall functioning of the state’s government universities. Suraj laid stress on filling all vacant teaching and non-teaching posts at the earliest.
The minister held discussions with the V-Cs about ways to expedite the recruitment process, including formation of subject-wise selection committees and completion of all related procedures on a priority basis.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education, in which the discussions focused on development and implementation of new curricula, providing internship opportunities to undergraduate students and expanding the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) to more courses.
The universities were also advised to promote high-quality research and strengthen the establishment and functioning of Centres of Excellence. The meeting further discussed the integration of modern academic programmes with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The minister advised universities to ensure that PhD scholars undertake high-quality research on new, contemporary and relevant subjects.
Progress in the implementation of the PM-USHA scheme in universities and colleges was reviewed, while emphasis was also given on the implementation of the Shaktishree scheme aimed at empowering female students.
Odisha government
Odisha higher education department
AI courses
