Context
Recently, the Government has approved the scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for continuation till 31.03.2026.
- It has been envisaged to support around 1600 projects under the new phase of the scheme.
About Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched in October 2013.
- The Centrally Sponsored Scheme gets the support of the Union Government for several developmental initiatives at the state level.
- These schemes are aimed at supplementing the efforts made by state governments since the central government has more resources at its disposal.
Objectives of the scheme
- For funding the state government universities and colleges to achieve the aims of equity, access and excellence.
- Improve the overall quality of state institutions by conforming to the prescribed norms and standards.
- Promoting autonomy in state universities and improving governance in institutions.
- Ensure reforms in the affiliation, academic and examination system.
- Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions and ensure capacity building at all levels of employment.
- Create an enabling atmosphere for research in the higher education system.
New phase of RUSA
- It targets to reach out to the unserved, underserved areas, remote/ rural areas, difficult geographies, LWE areas, NER, aspirational districts, tier-2 cities, areas with low GER etc., and to benefit the most disadvantaged areas and SEDGs.
- State Governments will be supported for Gender inclusion, Equity Initiatives, ICT, Enhancing employability through vocationalisation & skill upgradation.
- States will also be supported for creation of new Model Degree Colleges.
