Structural and optoelectronic features as well as influence of local symmetry due to inclusion of dopants are being reported for nanoscale Eu$^{3+}$: Gd$_2$O$_3$ systems with alkali metal ion (Na$^+$, K$^+$) co-doping. The origin of red emission(${\sim}$612 nm) as mediated by specific D–F transitions and nature of local symmetry are discussed. The co-doped nanosystems were synthesized following a citrate-gel route and a hydrothermal route as for nanoparticles (EuGNP) andnanorods (EuGNR), respectively. Revealing cubic crystal structure, X-ray diffractometer results also convey incorporation of the dopants into the host matrix, while the transmission electron microscopy images endorse formation of nearlyspherical nanoparticles and nanorods. Photoluminescence responses exhibit augmentation in the emissions for the co-doped phosphors with the intensity ratio between the most intense electrically driven red emission at ${\sim}$612 nm(${}^5$D$_0$ ${\to}$ ${}^7$F$_2$) to be four-fold stronger than the magnetically driven orange emission ${\sim}$590 nm (${}^5$D$_0$ ${\to}$ ${}^7$F$_1$) in the case of Na$^+$ co-doped EuGNP system. Along with comparative emission intensity and line widths, the anomalous trend inemission feature of Na$^+$ co-doped EuGNR has also been discussed.