Govt nod to programme to reform state higher education system

The government on Thursday cleared an ambitious programme for improving access, equity and quality in the state higher education system.

The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) programme was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which will have a financial outlay of Rs22,855 crore during the 12th plan Period.

Of this amount, Rs 16,227 crore will be the central share, said a government statement.

"With over 96 % of students enrolled in the state higher education system, there is a need for state colleges and universities to be strengthened through strategic central funding and implementing certain much needed reforms. RUSA also aims to incentivise states to step up plan investments in higher education," the statement said.

Under the centrally sponsored initiative, during the 12th Plan period, 80 new universities would be created by converting autonomous colleges/colleges in a cluster to state universities.

Besides, 100 new colleges, including professional and technical colleges would be set up and 54 existing colleges would be converted into model degree colleges.

Infrastructure grants would be given to 150 universities and 3,500 colleges to upgrade and fill critical gaps in infrastructure especially libraries and laboratories. RUSA would also support 5,000 faculty positions.

The centre-state funding would be in the ratio of 90:10 for northeastern states, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 65:35 for other states and Union Territories.