Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17 -- The Universal Proutist Students Federation (UPSF) has urged the Odisha Government to ensure completely free education covering all essential educational expenses, while calling for sweeping structural reforms in the state's education system.
In a seven-point memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the organisation said the government's decision to waive admission and tuition fees is welcome but cannot by itself be described as "free education".
Students, it pointed out, continue to bear the cost of textbooks, uniforms, hostel accommodation, food, transportation, digital access, examination fees, and other essential requirements. "A fee waiver alone cannot ensure equal access to education," UPSF said, demanding...