By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 21, 2021: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday reviewed the implementation of Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme for development of education infrastructure in state’s higher educational institutions.

As RUSA 1.0 and RUSA 2.0 programmes are about to complete soon, the Union minister directed his officials to release pending arrears of RUSA funds to Odisha. The Centre is planning to start RUSA 3.0 for the development of educational institutions of the states.

Pradhan had detailed discussion with officials of the higher education department including principal secretary Saswat Mishra and Odisha state higher education council vice chairman Ashoka Kumar Das about strengthening the online education, development of research institutes and about the National Education Policy (NEP).

Pradhan said the government will put emphasis on providing facilities like water, electricity, toilet and internet in 50,000 schools in two years. He suggested the higher education department officials start a campaign to ensure 100 percent vaccination of teachers, students aged more than 18 years and employees of school and colleges.

It was his first visit to Odisha after taking charge of the education ministry. He said education is the responsibility of both the Centre and the state. “I had planned to visit the states to know their views and perspectives on education. Today I discussed with officials of the Odisha government for strengthening the education sector,” he added.

The Centre has approved as many as 161 higher educational institutions including degree colleges and universities from Odisha under the RUSA scheme. Odisha has so far received a central share of Rs 395.42 crore under various components of the RUSA scheme.
“The minister put emphasis on collaborative efforts by the Centre and the state for better results in research and publication works and other aspects,” said department secretary Saswat Mishra.

He also discussed different issues with officials of the school and mass education department.