PM-USHA initiative is expected to enhance quality, foster skill development & generate employment opportunities within higher education
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) initiative has been officially launched in Odisha. The state government of Odisha entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Education to initiate the PM-USHA program, with the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Enhancing Infrastructure
Union Minister Pradhan announced that the Central Government will allocate financial support amounting to Rs 500 crore for various higher education institutions throughout Odisha, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and facilitating developmental projects. He emphasized that August 31 marks a significant milestone in the effort to bolster the higher education framework in Odisha.
“PM-USHA represents a crucial step by the Centre in executing the National Education Policy, 2020, embodying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to improve access, equity and excellence within the state’s higher education system, while promoting greater efficiency, transparency, accountability and responsiveness.”
The Union Education Minister stated that 60 percent of the allocated grants will be provided by the Centre, while the remaining 40% will be funded by the state. He emphasized that the implementation of the PM-USHA scheme in Odisha will facilitate the enhancement of infrastructure at state universities, transforming them into world-class multidisciplinary institutions. He noted that Odisha is endowed with a talented workforce and affirmed that both the Centre and the state are dedicated to ensuring that the youth of Odisha are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st century.
The Minister expressed confidence that Odisha and its human resources will serve as a beacon of hope in this knowledge-driven era. He highlighted the need to harness the intellectual potential and resources of the state, which will now have the opportunity to develop colleges and universities with an estimated allocation of Rs 500 crore from the Centre. The goal is to upskill one crore students in the state.
Skill Development
The introduction of the PM-USHA initiative is expected to greatly enhance quality, foster skill development, and generate employment opportunities within higher education, as stated by CM Mohan Charan Majhi in a post on X.
The PM-USHA scheme is designed to refine the curriculum, enhance teacher training, upgrade infrastructure, facilitate accreditation and improve employability. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of equity, access and excellence in higher education across various states and union territories.
