Himachal Pradesh University is set to receive a substantial grant of Rs 100 crore from the Central Government under the Prime Minister’s Higher Education Scheme (PM-USHA). The funding is aimed at enhancing the University's infrastructure, focusing on modernization, maintenance, and new constructions. The first installment of this grant is expected to be released soon, following the approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Union Ministry of Education.
HPU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sat Prakash Bansal announced that the grant would be utilized for a variety of projects designed to improve the University’s facilities. The DPR, meticulously prepared by the Education Department, outlines several key initiatives. Among the prominent projects is the construction of a new campus in Ghanhatti, which will significantly expand the university's capacity.
The said grant will be allocated across several critical areas, like to expedite the completion of multi-faculty phase three building to provide more academic space; constructing a New Academic Block near the old dispensary to accommodate the growing number of students; establishing a state-of-the-art Digital Library providing students with access to a vast array of digital resources; constructing a Multi-Purpose Building and Modern Studio, near the ICDEOL building, to enhance the university's infrastructure; besides spending approximately Rs 30 crore on renovating and maintaining hostels, academic blocks, non-academic buildings, and library facilities.
In addition to infrastructure development, the university will focus on technological advancements and skill development, by establishing an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lab and upgrading existing classrooms into smart classrooms; digitizing the varsity library to provide easier access to resources; setting up a Startup and Incubation Center – dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students; creating a new Center for Career Guidance and Counseling to assist students in their career planning and development; and using a part of the grant to procure essential software for academic and administrative purposes.
