Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)
PM-USHA is the new name for the Ministry’s scheme to improve the quality of higher education in State universities — through curricular and programme changes, teacher training, physical and digital infrastructure, accreditation, and enhancing employability — while ensuring equity, access, and inclusion.
Under the PM-USHA, focus districts should be identified to improve the overall quality of higher educational institutions
The challenge method of selection of districts involves 3 stages:
First stage: The States and Union Territories sign an MoU with the Union Education Ministry with commitments on implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 reforms
Second stage: The State governments will shortlist universities, colleges, and districts
Third stage: The Ministry will evaluate the proposals and then send them for approval by a project approval board.
The MoU is being signed to show the willingness of the States and Union Territories to participate in the PM-USHA scheme.
The MoU — which makes it mandatory for States to undertake the administrative, academic, accreditation, and governance reforms detailed in the NEP, including an academic credit bank, entry and exit flexibility, and the Samarth e-governance platform — has irked some State governments.
The MoU contains clauses regarding proper planning, implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
Commitment on planning and drafting the proposals by the State by aligning it with NEP will lead to integration between NEP and PM-USHA.
States and UTs have also been given the flexibility to identify their focus districts on the basis of various indicators.
It provides an outlay of ₹12,926.1 crore between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
40% of the expenses under PM USHA is borne by the States.
Challenges
To implement the NEP, States need more funds and aid from the Centre.
This MoU does not say anything about finding funds for changes envisaged under the NEP.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are among the 14 States and Union Territories which are yet to sign the crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry.
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