SGOU’s Oppam project for 2026 takes off

In a unique initiative that bridges the gap between academic pursuit and social security, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Sunday inaugurated Sreenarayanaguru Open University’s (SGOU) ‘Oppam Housing Project 2026’ at Muttakkuzhi, Veliyam, in Kollam. During the ceremony, the Minister said that the university is setting a rare example by ensuring the fundamental safety of a home for its students, truly embodying the vision and philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru.

“The university has witnessed remarkable growth, gaining 76,000 learners within just five years and securing the 11th rank in the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF),” said the Minister. He added that the design for the university’s permanent headquarters is complete, and construction will commence immediately upon receiving administrative sanction.

As part of the event, the Minister handed over the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for house construction to Amrita, a third-semester Malayalam student and resident of Muttakkuzhi, before visiting the construction site.

The ‘Oppam’ project marks SGOU as the first university in India to take up the mission of improving the living conditions of its learners alongside providing education. In this second phase of the project, 14 students, one from each district, have been selected to receive houses. The initiative is funded through the university’s Social Welfare Fund, with financial assistance released in installments to the beneficiaries. Oppam, which was launched last year by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by providing houses to 15 persons, is further strengthening the university’s social justice-oriented initiatives as it provides shelter to 14 more students this year.

‘Major relief’

V.P. Prashanth, Syndicate member and chairperson of the Finance Standing Committee, said that the university eventually aims to provide houses for all eligible students in the coming years. “This project is a major relief for ordinary students who dream of higher education while balancing work and family responsibilities,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor V.P. Jagathy Raj said that the university takes immense pride in addressing the fundamental needs of its students, proving that its commitment to social justice extends far beyond traditional academic activities.