1st December 2024: The Union government has approved ₹676.70 crore to improve the infrastructure of universities and colleges in Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced that the Centre will contribute ₹408.70 crore, while the state will provide ₹268 crore.
The funding will support various initiatives, including the development of Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU), Grants to Strengthen Universities (GSU), and Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiatives (GIEI). Major universities like Berhampur University, Ravenshaw University, and Sambalpur University will receive ₹100 crore each under the MERU scheme, while ₹20 crore will be allocated to several other universities under the GSU component.
In addition, ₹5 crore will be granted to 24 colleges, and five districts will receive ₹10 crore each for gender equity programs. These funds will help improve classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, and digital education resources. The initiative also includes skill development and self-defense training for female students to promote gender equality.
Minister Suraj highlighted that these efforts are expected to improve the quality of education and enhance the NAAC rankings of Odisha’s higher educational institutions. This move is part of a broader goal to make Odisha’s educational infrastructure more inclusive, modern, and globally competitive.
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