The Berhampur University and the Khallikote Autonomous College in Ganjam district are expected to overcome scarcity of funds shortly as the two institutes have been included in the Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for the next five years.
RUSA is a Central Government scheme monitored by the HRD Ministry of . It is aimed at providing assistance to colleges and universities for infrastructure development, upgradation of laboratories and strengthening of teaching staff and introduction of job-oriented and market-driven courses.
The Berhampur University has submitted a Rs 80-crore proposal to the Government under the RUSA for the next five years from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
The proposal includes Rs 28 crore for infrastructure development, Rs 12 crore for research and development, Rs 25 crore for faculty development, Rs 5 crore for institutional reform and Rs 8 crore for academic support activities like introduction of new courses. The Khallikote Autonomous College has sought Rs 79 crore under the scheme. The funds would be utilised for appointment of quality teaching staff, developing laboratories and library facilities.
The 148-year-old college has also proposed construction of a new campus on 50 acres of land under the scheme. The fund has been sought keeping in view upgradation of the college to a Unitary University, according to college Principal Saritanjali Bahidar.