Model degree colleges to come up in 56 districts

Rashitriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (the ambitious higher Education programme to reinvigorate state universities) in its first meeting of Project Approval Board (PAB) has given a green flag to 56 new model degree colleges in various districts of the country. The organisation has already approved a grand sum of Rs. 672 crore for this project.

According to the plan Uttar Pradesh will get 29 model colleges and eight each to Karnataka and Odisha, followed by Andra Pradesh seven and Kerala four.

Apart from deciding new centers for model colleges, organisation also sanctioned second installment for 31 existing model colleges spread across Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Punjab.
Ministry officials says " We are all charged up after seeing such an enthusiastic response from the states. Already, 15 states and four union territories have responded to the ministry."

The meeting considered the proposals of states and union territories and approved 12 states and four union territories for support under RUSA. Gujarat's proposal came late so the PAB agreed to give the state preparatory fund.

On the other hand, J&K missed out on the opportunity, as it didn't give any undertaking. As a result, PAB declined its request. Tamil Nadu also followed the foot steps of J&K, hence, the state's request was also turned down by PAB.

RUSA makes it incumbent upon the states to fulfill certain conditions:

• Lift the ban on recruitment of teachers.
• Carry out comprehensive academic and administrative reforms.