RUSA Scheme to Set up 278 New Universities and 388 Colleges in various States

The Central Government is planning to set up 278 new universities along with 388 colleges, as informed by Ashok Thakur, Higher Education Secretary in the HRD Ministry.

On 28 November in an All India Conference of higher education ministers on Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Ashok informed of creating new educational institutes with further adding that some of these colleges may also turn into universities.

RUSA is a flagship scheme of the UPA government. RUSA is a centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) mean to reform the state higher education system.

On 6 October, 2013 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs nod to the RUSA. In the 12th plan from 2012 till 2017, RUSA have been allotted Rs.22, 855 crore in which the central government is contributing Rs.16, 227 crore.

Thakur mentioned about the students failing into the scam and trap of Private Universities, which are run by those who does not have an education Sector background.

He also informed of presently more than 300 colleges affiliated with each university, which leads to making the college management busy into sorting administrative issues and this does not create time for further research and development and focus on quality education. This is why the RUSA body wishes to reduce affiliated colleges to 100 per university.

Several regulatory reforms are in the process such as a proper accreditation structure, quick redress of disputes with the help of educational tribunals and avoiding malpractices and set up of National Commission on Higher Education and Research (NCHER).

The Minister said RUSA’s scheme of various new Universities and Colleges establishment will have improved institutions and funding for higher education in various states.