Daily Current Affairs : 9-December-2023
The Union Education Minister’s call to implement the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme in Odisha underscores the government’s commitment to transforming higher education. This article delves into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) significance, the concerns raised by states, and the key dimensions of the PM-USHA scheme.
MoU Significance and State Concerns:
Importance of MoU:
- The MoU facilitates coordination between State initiatives and the National Education Policy (NEP), encompassing planning, execution, and assessment.
- It allows States flexibility to customize activities, optimizing resource allocation based on local needs.
- States can identify priority districts based on enrollment rates, gender parity, and marginalized community representation.
State Concerns Raised:
- Despite MoU provisions, certain states express dissatisfaction, citing unaddressed concerns.
- States bear 40% of PM-USHA expenses, yet the MoU lacks clear guidance on funding mechanisms for NEP-related changes.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme:
Scheme Evolution and Focus Areas:
- PM-USHA evolved from the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme, aligning with the National Education Policy.
- Focus areas include equity, access, inclusion, quality teaching, accreditation enhancement, ICT-based infrastructure, and multidisciplinary employability.
Objective:
- Enhance quality in state higher educational institutions, implement reforms, connect school education with the job market, and foster research and innovation.
Key Features:
- MERU Transformation: Rs 100 crore support for 35 accredited state universities.
- Model Degree Colleges: Provision for establishing new colleges.
- University Enhancement: Grants to strengthen overall capabilities.
- Focus on Remote and Aspirational Areas: Targeting regions with limited access to education, Left-Wing Extremism affected areas, aspirational districts, and low Gross Enrolment Ratio regions.
- Gender Inclusion and Equity Support: Assisting states in promoting gender inclusion and equity through ICT.
Important Points:
MoU Significance and State Concerns:
- MoU fosters coordination between State initiatives and NEP for enhanced education planning.
- Provides flexibility for States to customize activities based on local needs.
- Enables identification of priority districts based on enrollment rates, gender parity, and marginalized community representation.
- State concerns include dissatisfaction with unaddressed issues and lack of clear funding guidance for NEP-related changes.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme:
- PM-USHA evolved from RUSA, aligning with the National Education Policy.
- Focus areas include equity, access, inclusion, quality teaching, accreditation enhancement, ICT-based infrastructure, and multidisciplinary employability.
- Objectives: Enhance quality in state higher educational institutions, implement reforms, connect school education with the job market, and foster research and innovation.
Key Features:
- MERU Transformation: Rs 100 crore support for 35 accredited state universities.
- Model Degree Colleges: Provision for establishing new colleges.
- University Enhancement: Grants to strengthen overall capabilities.
- Focus on Remote and Aspirational Areas: Targeting regions with limited access to education, Left-Wing Extremism affected areas, aspirational districts, and low Gross Enrolment Ratio regions.
- Gender Inclusion and Equity Support: Assisting states in promoting gender inclusion and equity through ICT.
Why In News
The Union Education Minister recently urged the Odisha Chief Minister to expedite the implementation of the PM-USHA scheme for higher education in the state, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance educational opportunities and foster academic growth.
MCQs about PM-USHA Scheme in Odisha
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What is the primary focus of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme?
A. Enhancing primary education
B. Fostering gender equality
C. Transforming higher education
D. Promoting vocational training
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What key flexibility does the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) offer to States under the PM-USHA scheme?
A. Flexibility in implementing primary education reforms
B. Flexibility in resource allocation for vocational training
C. Customization of activities based on local needs
D. Flexibility in teacher recruitment policies
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Which aspect of the PM-USHA scheme focuses on regions with limited access to education, Left-Wing Extremism affected areas, aspirational districts, and low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)?
A. Model Degree Colleges
B. MERU Transformation
C. University Enhancement
D. Focus on Remote and Aspirational Areas
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What is the primary objective of the MERU Transformation under the PM-USHA scheme?
A. Strengthening vocational training institutions
B. Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning
C. Providing financial support to primary schools
D. Supporting accredited state universities for multidisciplinary education and research
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