Odisha Allocated ₹676.7 Crore Under PM-USHA to Revolutionize Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been allocated ₹676.7 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) to boost higher education infrastructure, skill development, and research initiatives across the state. Of this, ₹408.7 crore will be contributed by the Central Government, while the state government will provide ₹268 crore, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced today at a press conference at Lok Seva Bhawan’s Convention Center.

The funds, sanctioned following the decisions of the Ministry of Education’s 3rd Project Approval Board meeting, aim to modernize universities and colleges across Odisha. The allocation will support the establishment of smart classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, and academic buildings. Advanced research infrastructure will also be developed to enhance the quality of education.

The allocation under PM-USHA has been categorized as follows:

• Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU): ₹400 crore allocated to four universities, with each receiving ₹100 crore. Beneficiaries include Ravenshaw University, Berhampur University, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, and Sambalpur University.
• Grants to Strengthen Universities: ₹100 crore allocated to five universities, with ₹20 crore each.
• Grants to Strengthen Colleges: ₹120 crore allocated to 24 colleges, with ₹5 crore each.
• Gender Inclusion and Equality Initiatives: ₹50 crore allocated to five districts, with ₹10 crore each, to promote inclusive education.
• Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research (MMER): ₹6.7 crore earmarked for monitoring and evaluation.

The scheme will prioritize aspirational districts, ensuring equitable access to quality education. Minister Suraj emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive education, highlighting initiatives such as self-defense training, employability enhancement, and support for women and differently-abled students.

The funds will also aid institutions in achieving NAAC accreditation, a key benchmark for educational excellence.

The PM-USHA scheme aims to bridge the gap between education and employability by focusing on skill-building initiatives tailored to the needs of students. Enhanced infrastructure and research capabilities are expected to pave the way for students to secure better career opportunities.

Minister Suraj extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their role in implementing the PM-USHA scheme in Odisha.

“This initiative lays a robust foundation for higher education in the state, ensuring every student has access to quality education and resources, fostering a brighter future for Odisha,” the Minister said.