Odisha launches PM-USHA Programme

The government of Odisha has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shikhsha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).It is a transformative initiative which focuses on boosting the state’s, higher education sector. The programme is established after signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the state and the Union education ministry. The MoU was signed in the presence of the education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan , the state chief minister Mohan Charan and the state higher education minister Surybanshi Suraj .

As per the programme, the central government is all set to contribute Rs 5000crore aiming at the development and infrastructure of the higher education of the state. The education minister Pradhan briefed August 31, as a landmark for the state’s educational landscape .While focusing on the programme’s structure with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Nation Educational Policy(NEP) 2020.

PM-USHA is structured to provide access, equality and excellence in the higher education of the state. The funding is divided as follows: the 60 percent of the grant is provided by the centre while the rest 40 percent is offered by the state. The goal of the programme is to enhance and transform Odisha’s universities into world-class institutions along with equipping the students with the latest skills.

The Chief Minister Mohan Charan laid emphasis on the goal of upskilling one crore students and positioning Odisha as a beacon of knowledge. In addition, he also highlighted the upcoming plans to grant autonomy to state universities, in line with the BJP’s election manifesto. The PM-USHA scheme will focus on curriculum revamping, teacher training, infrastructure development, and improving employability, contributing to regional equity and sustainable development.

"The scope of education is much wider, It should not be contained within the political narrowness. We have launched the PM-USHA on the 81st day of the new government," the chief minister said, adding that this initiative will transform Odisha's education sector to world class level.

PM-USHA would provide the conversion of single-stream higher education institutions (HEIs) into multiple streams institutions and other benefits. The goal is to upskill the higher education of Odisha.