The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Lucknow): In a major development for higher education in Uttar Pradesh, the state has received a substantial funding of Rs 740 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) programme. This amount is the highest allocated to any state in India under the initiative. Six universities in the state have been granted Rs 100 crore each to develop as multi-disciplinary education and research universities (MERUs).
The six universities awarded Rs 100 crore each include the University of Lucknow, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University in Ayodhya, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University in Bareilly, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University in Gorakhpur, Bundelkhand University in Jhansi, and Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut.
In addition to these, eight other universities in Uttar Pradesh have been given a part of the remaining Rs 140 crore for renovating aging buildings. This allocation is part of a wider initiative that identified 52 universities nationwide under the strengthening of universities scheme.
Among the universities receiving substantial grants are Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra; Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur; Maa Shakumbhari University, Saharanpur; and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, each receiving Rs 20 crore. Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, and Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Brother) University, Prayagraj, received Rs 19.9 crore each. Jananayak Chandrashekhar University, Ballia, and Siddharth University Kapilvastu were granted Rs 13.38 crore and Rs 6.53 crore, respectively.
The University of Lucknow expressed its intention to use this financial boost from the PM-USHA initiative to enhance its academic infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational ecosystem. LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai emphasized the importance of upgrading laboratories, modernizing classrooms, fostering innovation hubs, and promoting interdisciplinary research.
Similarly, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, another recipient of the Rs 100 crore merit-based grant, plans to develop as a Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP). Prof Poonam Tandon, the vice-chancellor, highlighted the university’s commitment to aligning with NEP and enhancing its educational offerings.
This substantial funding under the PM-USHA scheme is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating the standards of higher education in Uttar Pradesh, benefiting not only current students and faculty but also contributing significantly to the nation’s intellectual and academic landscape.