According to a recent report, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are among 14 States and Union Territories which are yet to sign a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry for PM-USHA scheme.
Key points
- The scheme mandates the implementation of the National Education Policy in order to avail funds worth almost ₹13,000 crore for the next three years.
- PM-USHA is a Centre’s flagship scheme for State-run higher education.
- 40% of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) budget must be borne by the States themselves.
- PM-USHA is the new name for the Ministry’s scheme to improve the quality of higher education in State Universities — through curricular and programme changes, teacher training, physical and digital infrastructure, accreditation, and enhancing employability — while ensuring equity, access, and inclusion.
- It provides an outlay of ₹12,926.10 crore between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
- The MoU is being signed to show the willingness of States and UTs to participate in the PM-USHA scheme and it will help in the better implementation of the scheme.
