Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme

In News

• The Government has approved the scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for continuation till 31.03.2026. 
  • It has been envisaged to support around 1600 projects under the new phase of the scheme.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme

• About:
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched in October 2013.
  • The Centrally Sponsored Scheme gets the support of the Union Government for several developmental initiatives at the state level. These schemes are aimed at supplementing the efforts made by state governments since the central government has more resources at its disposal. 
• Aim: 
  • For funding the state government universities and colleges to achieve the aims of equity, access and excellence.
  • Improve the overall quality of state institutions by conforming to the prescribed norms and standards.
  • Promoting autonomy in state universities and improving governance in institutions.
  • Ensure reforms in the affiliation, academic and examination system.
  • Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions and ensure capacity building at all levels of employment.
  • Create an enabling atmosphere for research in the higher education system.
• New phase of RUSA:
  • It targets to reach out to the unserved, underserved areas; remote/ rural areas; difficult geographies; LWE areas; NER; aspirational districts, tier-2 cities,  areas with low GER etc., and to benefit the most disadvantaged areas and SEDGs.
  • State Governments will be supported for Gender inclusion, Equity Initiatives, ICT, Enhancing employability through vocationalisation & skill upgradation. States will also be supported for creation of new Model Degree Colleges.

Source: PIB