In a unique initiative to bridge the gap between academic endeavors and social welfare, Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Sunday inaugurated Sreenarayanaguru Open University’s (SGOU) ‘Oppam Housing Project 2026’ at Muttakkuzhi, Veliyam, Kollam. During the ceremony, the minister said that the university is setting a rare example by providing basic home security to its students and truly embodies the vision and philosophy of Guru Sree Narayan.
“The university has witnessed remarkable growth, gaining 76,000 students in just five years and securing the 11th rank in the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF),” the minister said. He added that the project for the permanent headquarters of the university is complete and the construction will start immediately after receiving the administrative sanction.
As part of the event, the minister handed over a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of the house to Amrita, a third semester student of Malayalam studies and a resident of Muttakkuzhi, before visiting the construction site.
The ‘Oppam’ project marks SGOU as the first university in India to undertake the mission of improving the living conditions of its students in addition to imparting education. In this second phase of the project, 14 students, one from each district, were selected to receive houses. The initiative is funded through the university’s welfare fund, with financial aid released in installments to beneficiaries. Launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year by providing homes to 15 persons, Oppam further strengthens the university’s social justice initiatives by providing shelter to 14 more students this year.
“Major Relief”
VP Prashanth, member of the Syndicate and chairman of the Standing Finance Committee, said that the university ultimately aims to provide houses for all eligible students in the coming years. “This project is a big relief for ordinary students who dream of higher education while balancing work and family responsibilities,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor VP Jagathy Raj said the university takes immense pride in addressing the basic needs of its students, demonstrating that its commitment to social justice goes far beyond traditional academic pursuits.
Published – March 8, 2026 7:43 PM IST
