Kerala has received a significant fund of ₹ 405 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uksha Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a scheme designed to support higher education institutions.
This includes ₹100 crore each for the Universities of Kerala, Calicut and Kannur under the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) component, while Mahatma Gandhi University is set to receive ₹20 crore under the Grants for Strengthening Universities (GSU) component.
Additionally, 11 colleges will receive ₹ 5 crore each under the Grants for Strengthening Colleges (GSC) component, while Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad districts have been allocated ₹ 10 crore each for gender inclusion and equality initiatives. This component will invest in initiatives such as construction of women’s hostels for college and university students in these districts as well as sensitization workshops focusing on women, minorities, marginalized communities and specially abled persons in higher education.
The state government had submitted proposals and presentations to secure the funds, which would be shared between the central and state governments on a 60:40 basis, with Kerala contributing 40% of the cost.
PM-USHA effectively replaced the National Higher Education Campaign (RUSA). The state received Rs 194 crore under Rusa 1 and Rs 366 crore under Rusa 2.
Initially, Kerala, like many other non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states, expressed reservations about onboarding the scheme due to concerns over the need to adopt the National Education Policy 2020. To avail funds under NEP 2020 Central Flagship Scheme.
However, the government eventually agreed to the Centre’s terms, despite objections about some of the “unreasonable” proposals outlined in the Union policy.
published – Dec 21, 2024 07:12 IST