NVI Correspondent,
Jammu, Dec 21 (NVI): The Union Ministry of Education has sanctioned nine projects worth Rs 85 crore for higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
The decision, announced during the third Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting on December 20, reflects the Centre’s commitment to transforming higher education infrastructure in the region.
Among the projects, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri will receive Rs20 crore to strengthen its infrastructure. Additionally, five new girls’ hostels will be constructed in Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ramban, and Udhampur, with Rs 10 crore allocated for each, promoting gender equity in education. Three Government Degree Colleges in Bandipora, Sogam Kupwara, and Nowshera will each receive Rs 5 crore for infrastructure development.
PM-USHA, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to bridge gaps in the higher education sector through infrastructure upgrades, curriculum reforms, and improved employability. These projects focus on ensuring equitable access to quality education, particularly for underrepresented groups, fostering inclusivity, and addressing regional disparities.
Earlier this year, the Higher Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir proposed funding for 47 institutions at an estimated cost of Rs 585 crore. With these recent approvals, funding under PM-USHA for J&K has reached Rs 155 crore, benefiting 18 institutions, including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and several colleges.
The sanctioned projects include initiatives to enhance gender inclusion, improve educational quality, and support multidisciplinary learning, a core tenet of NEP 2020. By creating innovative and inclusive educational environments, these efforts aim to empower students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
These developments mark a significant step forward in addressing J&K’s higher education challenges, ensuring the region’s institutions are well-equipped to contribute to national progress and global competitiveness.( News Vibes of India)
