Speaking to media persons, the minister said the government took the decision on the basis of suggestions made by the people to 5T chairman VK Pandian during his visit to different areas. The new colleges will start functioning from this academic year, he added.

Nayak said in order to solve the faculty crisis in the colleges, as many as 1,056 lecturers will be appointed through Staff Selection Board in next one week. While 467 lecturers were appointed in 2022-23 academic year, 1,033 appointments were made in 2023-24, he added.

Stating that there are 1,040 degree colleges in the state now against 548 in 2000, he said the number of universities has also increased from 5 to 24. The total universities include 17 government and 7 private. Besides, 21 fundamental research centres for excellence have been opened in the state.

For the benefits of the students, smart classrooms and laboratories have been opened in the colleges. The government has also made provision of e-scholarship, Byasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti, Gopabandhu Siksha Sahayata Yojana and Kalinga Siksha Sathi for them.

The minister said several schemes including Biju Yuva Empowerment Yojana, Green Passage Yojana, free civil service coaching have been introduced for the students.

The step aims at ensuring excellence in leadership and academia for the institution at Satyabadi in Puri district, it added.

On Friday, Chief Secretary PK Jena reviewed the preparation for opening of the university. He took stock of infrastructure development, appointment of VC and other officers, faculty engagement, curriculum design and other administrative arrangements.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for the Odia University in 2018.