U’khand to receive funds to strengthen colleges, univs - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

U’khand to receive funds to strengthen colleges, univs

Hindustan Times | By, Dehradun
Jun 30, 2016 10:24 PM IST

RUSA, a centrally sponsored scheme introduced in November 2013, provides assistance to state government for strengthening infrastructure and quality education through strategic funding. The funding is done in partnership with respective states.

Uttarakhand will receive Rs 30 crore from the Centre within a month for the construction, reconstruction and renovation of colleges and universities, as part of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shikha Abhiyan (RUSA). The state has already received Rs 13 crore under the scheme in 2014-15.

Three universities — Kumaon, Doon and Uttarakhand Sanskrit Universities — and 36 degree colleges and the Human Resource Development Centre, Nainital have been chosen for the funding.(HT File)
Three universities — Kumaon, Doon and Uttarakhand Sanskrit Universities — and 36 degree colleges and the Human Resource Development Centre, Nainital have been chosen for the funding.(HT File)

RUSA, a centrally sponsored scheme introduced in November 2013, provides assistance to state government for strengthening infrastructure and quality education through strategic funding. The funding is done in partnership with respective states.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Three universities — Kumaon, Doon and Uttarakhand Sanskrit Universities — and 36 degree colleges and the Human Resource Development Centre, Nainital have been chosen for the funding, the detailed project report (DPR) of which was approved by the Centre. These institutions have already received the first instalment during the last fiscal.

“We provide 35% of the funds for construction, 30% for the reconstruction and renovation and 35% for strengthening facilities. We are hopeful to receive the second instalment by July,” RUSA Uttarakhand nodal officer Satpal Singh Sahni told Hindustan Times.

Till 2013, only one out of 70 degree colleges — in Garud, Bageshwar — did not have its own building. However, the number of colleges has now increased to 90, according to the database of higher education department. Of the 20 new colleges, only 10 colleges have their own buildings, while the construction work of only seven is underway.

Similarly, other problems related to poor condition of existing buildings, lack of renovation, and facilities in terms of toilets, IT cell, library, hostel, sports and others prevail.

“Several colleges were ailing due to lack of funds and through RUSA we hope to strengthen higher education system,” HS Dhami, vice chancellor Kumaon University said.

Officials have also planned to strengthen infrastructure prima facie. Thereafter, efforts will be made to update staff as per University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. “We are working to develop facilities first and later we will do faculty recruitment which is also covered under the scheme,” Sahni said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Nihi Sharma is a Principal Correspondent based in Dehradun. She has been working with Hindustan Times since 2008. Her focus areas are wildlife and environment. Besides, she also covers politics, health and education.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On