In order to improve quality education in tribal zones, the Odisha Government has approached the Centre to sanction five new Model Degree Colleges under the Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
Higher Education Secretary GVV Sharma has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) in this regard.
The proposal for the Model Colleges has been for Kashipur block in Rayagada, Raighar block in Nabarangpur, Nuagaon block in Sundargarh, Dharakote block in Ganjam and Chitrakonda block in Malkangiri.
Each Model College will be granted Rs 75 lakh for setting up the building and infrastructure under the RUSA Phase II.
There are eight Model Degree Colleges established in Odisha. Those places are Nayagarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Khariar, Malkangiri, Deogarh, Nuapada, and Rayagada.
The State Government has chalked out a roadmap for implementation of the RUSA II and accordingly, under this programme, is asking for funds for these new five Model Colleges.
The RUSA is a Centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) launched in 2013 that aims at providing strategic funding to eligible State higher educational institutions.
The Central funding (in the ratio of 65:35 for general category States and 90:10 for special category States) would be norm based and outcome dependent. Similarly under the RUSA II, funds are being allocated under the Institutional Development Programme (IDP)s in various colleges having NAAC accreditations. Those educational institutions have NAAC B Grade or above will be able to participate under IDP in RUSA. Information Technology Centers and other infrastructure supports are being extended in the IDP.
The MHRD is also funding to speed up internet speed in the educational institutions under the programme.
At least 167 educational institutions in Odisha are having valid accreditation, so these universities and colleges will be able to get funds under the IDPs. Now more and more educational institutions are eyeing for taking accreditation under the NAAC.
Sources said 230 educational institutions have applied for accreditation as getting funding from the RUSA will possible with the NAAC grades.
Similarly, the State Government has linked of release of State Budget Grants to educational institutions having valid accreditations. The Department of Higher Education is organizing sensitization programme for the educational institutions to have the accreditation.
In order to improve quality, all the Principals of Autonomous Colleges have been sensitised in this regard and they have been urged to expedite the process of extension of autonomy in the colleges by forming various committees, which is necessary for processing NAAC accreditation.
Similarly, the Department of Higher Education (DoHE) has also submitted a proposal for ‘Centers Of Excellence’ by four NAAC Grade A universities in the State.