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Source-This post on PM-USHA SCHEME has been created based on the article “PM-USHA SCHEME: Six UP varsities secure ₹100 crore funding” published in “Hindustan Times” on 19 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Uttar Pradesh has recently secured ₹740 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) programme.
About Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme
| Aspect | Details |
| Description | It was initially launched as Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in 2013. It was renamed as PM-USHA in 2023. |
| Objective | To improve the overall quality of existing state of higher educational institutions by ensuring their conformity to prescribed norms and standards. |
| Concerned Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Type of scheme | Centrally Sponsored scheme |
| Funding | 90:10 ratio for certain states and 60:40 for others, UTs without Legislature receive 100% central funding. |
| Salient features | 1) Rs 100 crore support to each of 35 state universities for multidisciplinary education and research (MERU) Transformation 2) Establishment of Model Degree Colleges. 3) Grants for strengthening universities. 4) Focus on remote, LWE-affected, Aspirational, and low Gross Enrollment Ratio regions 5) Aid to state governments for gender inclusion, equity, and ICT-based employability skills. 6) It is in alignment with the National Education Policy. |
| Eligibility criteria to get PM-USHA funding | The colleges of any discipline under the Section 2(f) of the UGC Act are eligible for the funds. The colleges must have grade A of NAAC accreditation or a good NBA score. |
| Significance | 1) It has the potential to transform higher education. 2) It is in consonance with the objective of National Education Policy. 3) It will promote quality, equity, and innovation in higher education. |
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