Uttar Pradesh has secured the highest grant in the country, totaling approximately Rs 740 crore, under various categories through the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan. This substantial funding is intended for multiple purposes, including elevating the research quality in universities, fostering innovation and renovating dilapidated structures in older institutions, as per the official announcement.
The allocated funds will play a crucial role in upgrading the quality of higher education institutions in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring their adherence to specified parameters and standards. The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan Yojana extends grants for the establishment of new government model colleges in underserved areas, aiming to achieve the minimum Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) identified for these regions, the statement added.
The overarching goal of the scheme is to provide financial support to higher education institutions across states, promoting equitable development. The plan is expected to be executed by the end of 2026 and targets a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) increase to 35%. The granted funds will specifically be utilised for developing infrastructure conducive to digital education methods in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on creating opportunities for higher education among socially disadvantaged communities.
The earmarked grant is designated to encourage the enrollment of women and individuals from minority communities, as well as those belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, in the state’s higher education institutions. Six universities in Uttar Pradesh, part of the 26 identified nationwide under the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU), are recipients of this grant. Notably, each university, including Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Bundelkhand University, Lucknow University, and Chaudhary Charan Singh University, has been allocated Rs 100 crore.
Furthermore, as part of the nationwide effort to fortify universities, eight institutions in Uttar Pradesh, out of the 52 identified nationally, have received funds. Notable recipients include Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Mahatma Shakumbhari University, and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, each granted Rs 20 crore. Additionally, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Jananayak Chandrashekhar University, and Siddharth University have been allocated specific amounts to enhance their respective academic infrastructures.
With inputs from ANI.