Jammu, December 21 (NationPress) - The Central government has officially sanctioned nine projects valued at ₹85 crore for universities and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir under the PM-USHA flagship programme.

An official declaration revealed that the Union Ministry of Education has granted approvals for projects amounting to ₹85 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) for nine higher education institutions in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

This decision, made during the third Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting held on December 20, 2024, highlights the government’s dedication to enhancing higher education infrastructure and promoting inclusivity and excellence in the area. Notably, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University located in Rajouri will be allocated ₹20 crore to bolster its infrastructure.

Furthermore, the construction of five new girls' hostels will take place in the focus districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ramban, and Udhampur, with each receiving ₹10 crore to support gender equity.

Three Government Degree Colleges situated in Bandipora, Sogam Kupwara, and Nowshera will also benefit from ₹5 crore each for infrastructure enhancements and upgrades. The PM-USHA initiative, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Education, aims to tackle significant gaps in the higher education sector by improving infrastructure, reforming curricula, ensuring accreditation, and boosting employability.

In alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the scheme strives to provide equitable access to quality education, especially for underrepresented groups, thus fostering a more inclusive and dynamic higher education environment. These recent approvals are part of a larger vision to transform education into a catalyst for social and economic change, bridging regional disparities and equipping students with the necessary skills for a rapidly evolving world.

The Higher Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir had previously submitted a detailed proposal for 47 institutions, with a total projected cost of ₹585 crore. With these new approvals, 18 institutions—including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and various colleges—have been sanctioned under the PM-USHA across three PAB meetings conducted in 2024.

The total funding now amounts to ₹155 crore, marking a significant achievement in addressing the infrastructural and academic demands of the region. The development of new hostels and improved facilities will not only enhance educational quality but also promote gender inclusion, a vital component of NEP 2020’s vision for equitable growth.

NEP 2020 promotes a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational approach, prioritizing equity, inclusivity, and excellence. The PM-USHA initiative serves as a crucial facilitator in achieving this vision by bridging infrastructural gaps and encouraging reforms that meet global standards.

The projects approved for Jammu & Kashmir will foster an environment that promotes innovation, learning, and employability, ensuring that students from all segments of society can access quality education. These initiatives represent a sustained commitment from the J&K Government towards establishing a robust framework for higher education that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs, ensuring that the region’s academic institutions are well-equipped to contribute to national and global advancement, as stated in an official announcement on Saturday.