PM-USHA Scheme
Source: The Hindu
GS II: Education
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)
- Concerns of the PM-USHA Scheme
Why in News?
Recently Centre announced that 14 States yet to join Centre’s flagship education scheme.
News in Brief
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are among the 14 States and Union Territories which are yet to sign a crucial memorandum of
Photo by Leeloo Thefirst understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry, which mandates the implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020
- To get funds of almost ₹ 13,000 crore for the next three years under the Centre’s flagship scheme for Staterun higher education institutions.
- Officials from several they have raised concerns about the MoU, given that 40% of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PMUSHA) budget must be borne by the States themselves, and no extra funds have been earmarked for NEP reforms.
- The Centre is holding discussions to iron out differences with dissenting States and communicate the importance of NEP and PMUSHA.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)
- The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- It aims o financially support institutions in States/UTs.
- Also to enhance access, equity, and excellence in higher education with improved efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
- The initial phase of the scheme commenced in 2013, followed by the second phase in 2018.
- In alignment with the National Education Policy, the RUSA initiative has been revamped as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
- The central financing is outcome-oriented and based on standards.
- Before reaching the designated institutions, funds are channeled from the central ministry through state governments and union territories.
- State Higher Education Plans, which outline each state’s approach to addressing issues of fairness, access, and excellence in higher education, would serve as the foundation for allocating funding to the states.
- It provides an outlay of ₹12,926.10 crore between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
What are the concerns regarding PM-USHA Scheme?
- Funding
- 40% of the expenses under PM USHA is borne by the States.
- To implement the NEP, States need more funds and aid from the Centre, so lacks funding.
- There are no additional funds set aside specifically for carrying out reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
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