Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal among 14 States and Union Territories not signed PM-USHA scheme MoU with Union Education Ministry.
MoU mandates implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) for availing funds of ₹13,000 crore over 3 years.
Opposition-ruled States express concerns due to 40% budget responsibility and no extra funds for NEP reforms.
Centre engaging in discussions to resolve differences with dissenting States.

About Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan:

In the light of the National Education Policy, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme has been launched as Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
It covers government and government-aided institutions of the States and UTs.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
PM-USHA would be focusing on the following:
- Equity, Access, and Inclusion: The scheme focuses on equity initiatives and gender inclusion by providing adequate opportunities to underprivileged groups, and it promotes the inclusion of women, minorities, SCs/STs/OBCs, and specially-abled people in higher education, which will help to increase the GER
- Developing Quality Teaching & Learning processes: It would provide the facilities to the institution for upgrading the physical and digital infrastructure and also for the conversion of single-stream higher education institutions (HEIs) into multiple streams institutions
- Accreditation of Non-Accredited Institutions & Improving Accreditation: Accreditation pushes institutions to meet and maintain higher standards in education, in turn, increases trust and confidence in them among the public and boosts accountability
- ICT-based Digital Infrastructure: To ensure greater access to education, there is the significant importance of technology in bridging the language barrier between teachers and students, creating digital libraries, popularizing language learning as well as introducing the Open distance learning (ODL) programs.
- Enhancing Employability through Multidisciplinarity : Collaboration between industry and academia is key to catalysing innovation and growth in career building. PM-USHA will encourage the HEIs to get linked with the Industry and the Market to strengthen skills, innovations, and employability

FAQs about Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan

Q1: Which states and union territories have not signed the MoU for the PM-USHA scheme with the Union Education Ministry?

Among the 14 states and union territories, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are notable for not signing the MoU for the PM-USHA scheme with the Union Education Ministry.

Q2: What is the main requirement for states to avail funds under the PM-USHA scheme?

For states to avail funds under the PM-USHA scheme, they are mandated to implement the National Education Policy (NEP). Over a span of three years, a fund of ₹13,000 crore is allocated for this purpose.

Q3: Why are some opposition-ruled states expressing concerns about the PM-USHA scheme?

Opposition-ruled states are raising concerns due to the 40% budget responsibility placed on them and the absence of additional funds to support the reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).

Q4: How is the central government addressing the concerns raised by dissenting states regarding the PM-USHA scheme?

The central government is currently engaging in discussions with the dissenting states in order to find common ground and resolve the differences regarding the PM-USHA scheme.