JAMMU: The Union government on Saturday said it has approved nine projects worth Rs 85 crore for J&K universities and colleges under the PM-USHA flagship programme.
An official statement said that the Union Ministry of Education has approved projects worth Rs 85 crore under the Pradhan Mantri High Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USA) for nine higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The decision taken at the third Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting announced on December 20, 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to transform higher education infrastructure and promote inclusiveness and excellence in the sector. Among the approved projects, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri will get Rs 20 crore to strengthen its infrastructure.
Additionally, five new girls’ hostels will be constructed in the focus districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ramban and Udhampur, each with an allocation of Rs 10 crore to promote gender equality.
Three government degree colleges at Bandipora, Sogam Kupwara and Nowshera will also get Rs 5 crore each for infrastructure development and upgradation. PM-USHA, a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Education, is designed to address critical gaps in the higher education sector by improving infrastructure, curriculum, accreditation and employment.
Aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the plan aims to ensure equal access to quality education, especially for underrepresented groups, thereby fostering a more inclusive and dynamic higher education ecosystem. These recent restrictions are part of a broader vision to make education a driver of social and economic transformation, eliminating regional disparities and equipping students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.
The Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir had earlier submitted a detailed proposal for 47 institutions with a total estimated cost of Rs 585 crore. With the latest approvals, 18 institutions, including Sri Mata Vaishno Devi University and several colleges, have been approved under PM-USHA in three PAB meetings held in 2024.
The cumulative fund now stands at Rs 155 crore, marking a significant milestone in addressing the infrastructure and educational needs of the region. The establishment of new hostels and upgraded facilities will support not only the quality of education but also gender inclusion, an important aspect of the NEP 2020 vision for equitable development.
NEP 2020 emphasizes a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to education, prioritizing equity, inclusiveness and excellence. PM-USHA acts as a key enabler to realize this vision by bridging infrastructural gaps and promoting reforms that meet global standards.
The projects sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir will create an environment conducive to innovation, learning and employment while ensuring access to quality education to students from all sections of society. These initiatives reflect the continued commitment of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to build a strong higher education framework that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs, ensuring that educational institutions in the region are well prepared to contribute to national and global progress, an official said. statement Saturday said.