The Indian Government has recently extended the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme until March 31, 2026, or sooner if a further review is conducted. This extension includes a planned expenditure of Rs. 12929.16 crore, with the Central government contributing Rs. 8120.97 crores and the State providing the remaining Rs. 4808.19 crores. The reimagined phase of this scheme is expected to support approximately 1600 projects.
A Glimpse into RUSA
RUSA, a centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2013, is targeted at channelizing strategic funding towards higher education institutions across India. The funding pattern follows a 60:40 ratio for general category states, 90:10 for special category states, and is fully borne by the central government for union territories.
The fund allocation takes place through the Ministry of Education and is passed on to the State Higher Education Councils via state governments or union territories before reaching the pre-identified institutions. Crucially, funds are provided based on a thorough evaluation of State Higher Education Plans, which outline each state’s strategy to tackle challenges such as equity, accessibility, and excellence in higher education.
The New Phase of RUSA
The upcoming phase of RUSA aims to make higher education accessible in unserved, underserved, remote or rural areas, challenging geographies, areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, North Eastern Region, Aspirational Districts, tier-2 cities, and spaces with low Gross Enrolment Ratios. The focus of this phase is to benefit disadvantaged areas and Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups specifically.
The new phase aims to incorporate recommendations from the New Education Policy, proposing significant alterations to revitalize and augment the current higher education system. The goal is to deliver high-quality education with a focus on equity and inclusion.
State Governments will receive support for gender inclusion, equity initiatives, ICT promotion, skills upgrade, and vocational training to enhance employability. Support will also be provided for establishing new Model Degree Colleges and promoting multi-disciplinary education and research in State Universities. Both accredited and non-accredited universities and colleges will receive grants for various activities, including teaching-learning in Indian languages.
Main Objectives of RUSA
The overarching aim of RUSA is to elevate the quality of state institutions through compliance with set norms and standards. Emphasis is placed on making accreditation a mandatory requirement for quality assurance. Autonomy and improved governance in state universities are other key focus areas.
The scheme aims to reform the affiliation, academic and examination systems and ensure adequate availability of quality faculty across all higher education institutions. There is also a strong focus on fostering a conducive environment for research in the higher education system.
One of the other main objectives is to address regional imbalances in access to higher education by establishing institutions in unserved and underserved areas. It seeks to improve equity in higher education by offering appropriate opportunities to the disadvantaged.
