In a bid to improve quality and accountability of Higher Education, the Odisha Government plans to implement Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in the state, sources said.
As per the RUSA guideline, the state will have SCHE, once the Cabinet clears the proposal.
According to RUSA guidelines the SCHE will be assisted by State Project Directorate and Technical Support Group along with a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU).
Enthused by success of Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has put in place a new central scheme, which envisages setting up of a State Council for Higher Education (SCHE) and creating agencies for accrediting Higher Educational institutions.
The Department of Higher Education (DoHE) has, meanwhile, circulated the RUSA guidelines among the Universities and other Institutions of Higher Learning for consultation
Under RUSA State will receive financial assistance from central government to take steps for improving the quality of education.
Once eligible for funding under the RUSA, after meeting the pre-requisite commitments, the State will receive funds for its institutions and formulate norms that reflect performance of key result areas— access, equity and excellence, said the officer.
With a number of private State Universities coming up in Odisha, implementation of the RUSA will greatly help out these new institutions, said an officer.
While Odisha has already approved three private State Universities, at least 33 proposals are pending with the Government for consideration, said sources.
As the Gross enrollment Ratio (GER) of Odisha in higher education is poor, the State Government is favouring setting up of more number of Universities.
While GER of Odisha is 14 per cent, neighbouring Chhattisgarh is having 20 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 15.30 per cent and Andhra Pradesh GER of 21.60 per cent, RUSA Guideline stated.
source: http://www.odishatoday.com / Odisha Today / Home> News> Odisha / by Odisha Today Correspondent / Bhubaneswar / February 26th, 2013