Has the Union Minister Urged West Bengal’s Education Department to Complete RUSA Projects?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Union Ministry of Education has issued a stern reminder to West Bengal's education department, urging the swift completion of pending RUSA projects. With substantial funds allocated and little progress made, the state faces pressure to utilize resources effectively. What does this mean for the future of higher education in West Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- Urgent directive from the Union Ministry of Education to West Bengal.
- Only a few of the 205 RUSA projects have been completed.
- The central government is ready to allocate significant funds for higher education.
- Effective utilization of the funds remains a challenge.
- RUSA aims to improve access and quality in higher education across India.
Kolkata, Sep 2 (NationPress) In a recent directive, the Union Ministry of Education has urged the West Bengal education department to expedite the completion of outstanding projects associated with the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), also known as the National Higher Education Mission (NHEM). This announcement was made on Tuesday.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Minister of State for Education and former BJP state president in West Bengal, communicated this message through a letter addressed to the state’s education minister, Bratya Basu.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Majumdar emphasized in his correspondence that, despite the allocation of central funding for higher education in West Bengal, progress on RUSA projects has been minimal over the past decade.
The letter reveals that out of the 205 projects sanctioned under RUSA since 2013, only a handful have reached completion in West Bengal. It also mentions that the Union government is prepared to release Rs 544.73 crore for various RUSA initiatives in the state.
While the central government has already disbursed Rs 383.69 crore, there has been little advancement on the projects despite the elapsed time, as stated in Majumdar’s letter.
Insiders have reported that although Rs 100 crore was allocated to several state universities for RUSA projects, substantial progress remains elusive.
Additionally, the sources indicated that several colleges in West Bengal received Rs 2 crore each under RUSA for enhancing higher education, but these funds have not been effectively utilized.
In response, Bratya Basu declined to comment until he has reviewed the letter. “I need to see the letter first. Only then can I provide my thoughts,” he remarked.
RUSA, or NHEM, is a centrally-sponsored initiative initiated in 2013 by the Union Ministry of Education aimed at strategically funding state-operated higher education institutions to boost access, equity, and quality in the higher education landscape of India.
Point of View
The directive from the Union Ministry of Education underscores a critical challenge in higher education governance. While funding has been allocated, effective implementation remains a hurdle. It's essential for state governments to efficiently utilize these resources to enhance educational outcomes, ensuring that students receive the quality education they deserve.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)?
RUSA is a centrally-sponsored scheme launched in 2013 aimed at providing strategic funding to state-run higher education institutions in India to improve access, equity, and quality in higher education.
How much funding has been allocated to West Bengal under RUSA?
The Union government has allocated Rs 544.73 crore to West Bengal for various projects under RUSA.
What progress has been made on RUSA projects in West Bengal?
Out of 205 approved projects since 2013, only a few have been completed, with significant delays reported in project execution.
Why is the Union Ministry of Education concerned?
The Ministry is concerned about the lack of progress in utilizing allocated funds for higher education in West Bengal, which could hinder educational development in the state.
Who is Dr. Sukanta Majumdar?
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar is the Union Minister of State for Education and a former president of the BJP in West Bengal, advocating for the timely completion of educational projects.
