Berhampur University, Khallikote college included in RUSA

Berhampur: Berhampur University and the Khallikote Autonomous College in Odisha's Ganjam district are likely to overcome fund crunch shortly as these institutes have been included in Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for the next five years.

RUSA is a central government scheme, monitored by Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD). It is aimed at providing financial assistance to colleges and universities for infrastructure development, upgradation of laboratories and strengthening of teaching staff and introduction of job-oriented and market-driven courses.

"We have submitted a Rs 80-crore proposal to the government under RUSA for the next five years from 2013-14 to 2017-18," vice-chancellor, Berhampur University, Deepak Kumar Behera, said.

The proposal includes Rs 28 crore for infrastructure development, Rs 12 crore for research and development, Rs 25 crore for faculty development, Rs 5 crore for institutional reform and Rs 8 crore for academic support activities like introduction of new courses, sources said.

Similarly, Khallikote Autonomous College has sought Rs 79 crore under RUSA. The funds will be utilised for for appointment of quality teaching staff, developing laboratories and library facilities.

Besides, the 148-year-old college has sought construction of a new campus on 50 acre under the scheme. "We have sought funds keeping an eye on upgradation of the college to unitary university," college principal Saritanjali Bahidar sadi.