Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)

21 Aug Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)”. The topic “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA))” has relevance in the “Governance” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)? 

For Mains:

GS2:  Government Policies and Interventions
GS2: Issues relating to Education 

Why in the news?

According to a news article, 14 states and union territories have not yet signed a key memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Education.

Background 

• The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was initially introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at providing funding to educational institutions in States and Union Territories. 
• The scheme’s inaugural phase commenced in 2013, followed by its second phase in 2018. 
• In accordance with the goals set out in the National Education Policy, the RUSA initiative has been revamped and is now known as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

What is Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)?

• The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a centrally sponsored program of the Indian government, is managed by the Ministry of Education.
• Its goal is to provide targeted financial assistance to eligible higher education institutions in the states.
• The scheme intends to enhance the quality of higher education in India by providing financial aid for infrastructure development, faculty improvement, and academic reforms.

Salient Features of PM USHA

• Addressing Key Gaps and Redesign: PM-USHA intends to rectify gaps and issues highlighted in the NITI Aayog’s Evaluation Report on Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The report recommended redesigning the scheme for better impact and rationalization.
• Enhancing Graduate Employability: The focus is on boosting graduate employability by supporting market-linked courses, industry connections, internships, and tracking employability outcomes. Skill-based education and identifying critical skill gaps are emphasized, leading to employment-oriented vocational courses.
• Leveraging Technology for Access and Quality: The scheme promotes technology and Open Distance Learning in higher education for better access and quality. Institutes receive support to improve NAAC accreditation grades and implement quality initiatives.
• NEP 2020 Integration: Aligning with NEP 2020 and NITI Aayog recommendations, the scheme gains a renewed structure. It encompasses NEP’s pillars: accessibility, quality, equity, accountability, and affordability, along with vocational education, employability, emerging courses, industry-academia links, accreditation, and academic reforms.
• Focus on Specific Districts: Special emphasis is given to “Focus Districts” in the scheme’s implementation.
• Catering to NEP Pillars: The scheme caters to NEP’s pillars, including skill-based education, employability enhancement, emerging courses, industry-academia collaboration, unaccredited institution accreditation, choice-based credit system, academic reforms, ICT utilization, barrier-free education, and GER improvement.

PM USHA Focus Points

• Equity Access and inclusion in higher education 
• Developing Quality Teaching & Learning processes
• Accrediting non-accredited institutions and making accreditation more effective
• ICT – based Digital Infrastructure
• Enhancing Employability through Multidisciplinary

Coverage: 

• It encompasses both state and union territory government institutions as well as government-aided institutions. 

Difference between RUSA and PM-USHA

More about the news: 

Several States, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, have not yet signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry for the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

Concerns raised by states

• Budget Concerns and Scheme Participation: States have expressed concerns regarding the MoU, as it necessitates them to contribute 40% of the budget for the PM-USHA initiative. This budgetary aspect has raised apprehensions about their involvement.

• Challenges and Funding Requirements: Some State governments have raised concerns about this MoU, as the requirement to implement NEP-driven reforms through the MoU implies additional financial demands. States might necessitate increased financial assistance from the Centre to effectively execute the reforms outlined in the NEP.

Sources: 

14 States yet to join Centre’s flagship education scheme – The Hindu

Q1. With reference Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), consider the following statements: 

1. The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) is a program by the Government of India, administered through the Ministry of Education.
2. The scheme intends to enhance the quality of higher education in India by providing financial aid for infrastructure development, faculty improvement, and academic reforms.
3. The scheme promotes technology and Open Distance Learning in higher education for better access and quality.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 

Q2. Consider the following : 

1. Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) is a revamped version of earlier scheme called Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. 
2. PM-USHA is a centrally sponsored scheme which means Centre and State contribute equally. 
3. PM-USHA aims to incorporate recommendations from the National Education Policy 2020.
4. The earlier version of PM- USHA focussed on increasing overall Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), while PM USHA is focused on areas with low GER.

How many of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Answer: (b)

Q3. Discuss the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) and its significance in transforming higher education in India. 

Gaurav N