Union Min Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Odisha CM Naveen on PM-USHA scheme
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on implementing PM-USHA scheme.
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on implementing PM-USHA scheme.
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 undeserved 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. PM-USHA will aim at creating new institutions and also transforming existing institutions in the States and UTS.
The Union Min further urged, “Please refer to my letter of even number dated 15th June, 2023 informing you about the launch of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). The Scheme has been approved till 31st March, 2026 with a total outlay of Rs. 12926.10 crores in continuation of the Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).”
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. Format of the MoU has been shared with States / UTs vide D.O. letter of even number dated 24th June, 2023.”
You would appreciate that signing of MoU prescribed under PM-USHA Guidelines is an essential prerequisite for inclusion of your State in the Scheme. The MoU contains clauses regarding proper planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme. The commitment on planning and drafting the proposals by your State by aligning it with reforms such as Multiple entry-exit, Academic Bank of Credits, 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.
It is appreciable that Odisha has shown active participation in the previous phases of RUSA and has been successful in using the support under the Scheme to improve 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 of Odisha.
“I would like to inform you that the process of submission of proposals for grants-in-aid under the PM-USHA Scheme has already started through dedicated Portal for this purpose launched on 21st October, 2023.”
In view of the above, “I seek your cooperation and continued support in implementing PM-USHA Scheme in the State of Odisha and request you to look into this matter personally so as to ensure submission of the signed MoU by your State as per the format given in the guidelines as early as possible so that Odisha State does not miss out on the benefits of the Scheme.”
Ms Kalinga