Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) in Odisha.
In his letter, Shri Pradhan said the PM-USHA scheme, which was launched in June this year, has been approved till 31st March, 2026 with a total outlay of Rs 12,926.10 crores in continuation of the Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
The PM-USHA Scheme is an important step of Central Government towards implementation the vision of National Education Policy, 2020 to attain higher levels of access, equity, and excellence in the States / UTs higher education system by prioritizing the unserved and underserved areas, to be identified by States / UTs as Focus Districts on the basis of low GER, population of SC/ST, Left-wing affected areas etc., he said.
The scheme will aim at creating new institutions and also transforming existing institutions in the States and UTs, Pradhan stated.
As per the Scheme Guidelines, States / UTs are required to sign an MoU for on-boarding the Scheme for its implementation in respective States / UTs. The MoU contains clauses regarding proper planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme.
The Union Minister said commitment on planning and drafting the proposals by the State by aligning it with reforms such as Multiple entry-exit, Academic Bank of Credits, National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), Indian knowledge systems etc. will lead to better integration between the policies and schemes of the Government for improving higher education in the country.
He appreciated the State for showing active participation in the previous phases of RUSA and has been successful in using the support under the Scheme to improve the higher education scenario in the State.
However, an MoU under new phase of Scheme i.e. PM-USHA, is yet to be signed by the State, he expressed concern.
He informed that the process of submission of proposals for grants-in-aid under the PM-USHA Scheme has already started through a dedicated Portal for this purpose launched on 21st October, 2023.
Shri Pradhan sought cooperation and continued support from the CM in implementing the PM-USHA Scheme in the State of Odisha. He requested CM to look into the issue for early submission of the MoU so that Odisha State does not miss out on the benefits of the Scheme.
