TV
Odisha has received Rs 670 crore under the Prime Minister's Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, informed Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday.
While briefing media persons, the Higher Education Minister said, “For the implementation of PM-USHA, Rs 670 crore and an additional grant of 1 per cent, known as Management Monitoring Evaluation and Research (MMER) grant that is equal to Rs 6.7 crore has been given to Odisha. There will be a share of 60:40 between the centre and the state. The centre and the state’s contributions will be Rs 408.7 crore and Rs 268 crore respectively.”
The grant has been approved at the third project approval meeting convened by the Ministry, reflecting the Indian government's commitment to addressing gender equality and bolstering educational institutions.
Also Read: Odisha govt reviewing centre’s proposal to abolish ‘no detention policy’: Mass Education Minister
The financial support is earmarked for 39 approved proposals, with an emphasis on enhancing the educational infrastructure of colleges and universities across four key categories. Notably, major universities in Odisha, including Ravenshaw University, Berhampur University, Shriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Mayurbhanj, and Sambalpur University will collectively receive Rs 400 crore.
Similarly, Vikram Deb University in Koraput, Kalahandi University, and Rajendra University in Balangir are also poised to receive a significant infusion of Rs 20 crore each. Additionally, Rs 20 crore will be allocated for the development of the Odisha State Open University.
This substantial financial injection is anticipated to drive improvements in the educational landscape of Odisha, encouraging advancements not only in academic infrastructure but also in gender equality in education. The focus remains on equipping institutions with the necessary resources to facilitate enhanced learning environments and research capabilities.
The allocation is part of a broader national effort to elevate India's higher education standards, aligning with a vision of educational excellence and inclusivity.
