The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which will have a financial outlay of Rs22,855 crore during the 12th Plan Period. The ambitious programme aims at improving access, equity and quality in the State higher education system.
Of this amount, Rs16,227 crore will be the Central share, said a Government statement.
“With over 96 per cent of students enrolled in the State higher education system, there is a need for State colleges and universities to be strengthened through strategic Central funding and implementing certain much needed reforms. RUSA also aims to incentivise States to step up plan investments in higher education,” the statement said.
Under the Centrally-sponsored initiative, during the 12th Plan period, 80 new universities would be created by converting autonomous colleges/colleges in a cluster to state universities.