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Initiatives of XI Plan
1. Establishment of New Central Universities
Central Universities Act, 2009, which came into effect from 15.1.2009, has established 16 new Central Universities in each such States (except Goa) which did not have a Central University; in Jammu & Kashmir, there are two Central Universities, one in Kashmir Division and another in Jammu Division. Besides J&K, the new Central Universities are established in the uncovered States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu. Three State Universities which have been converted into Central University are Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya in the State of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in the State of Madhya Pradesh and Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. Indira Gandhi National Tribal University
The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, has been established by an Act of Parliament. It commenced its academic activities from the Academic Session 2008-09. The University is running Undergraduate as well as Postgraduatee courses in various disciplines. The University is a teaching and affiliating university for facilitating and promoting avenues of higher education and research facilities for the tribal population of the country.
3. Establishment of 14 World Class Central Universities (Renamed As Innovation Universities Aiming at World Class Standards)
In order to improve quality of the education, the Ministry has decided to set up Innovation Universities aiming at world class standards to enable the knowledge talent around the world to cluster in the universities proposed to be developed as Global Centres of Innovation. The Central Government proposes to establish 14 Innovation Universities in identified cities.
4. Setting up of 374 Degree Colleges in Educationally Backward Districts
The Ministry has decided to set up Model Degree Colleges in those educationally backward districts of the country, where the GER or Gross Enrolment Ratio is less than the national average. In a survey, 374 such districts have been identifies. Proposals are awaited from the respective State Governments regarding establishment of such colleges. This scheme is a part of the Government policy for access, participation and expansion of higher education.
5. Scheme for Incentivizing State Governments for Expansion of Higher Education Institutions
A scheme is being introduced for incentivizing States for establishing new higher educational institutions/expanding existing higher educational institutions. This new Scheme will provide central assistance to the State Governments in the ratio of 1:2 (1:1 for Special Category States) for establishing new higher educational institutions/expanding existing higher educational institutions. The physical targets for XI Plan and XII Plan include new universities, colleges, engineering colleges as well as expansion of existing colleges.
6. New Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans taken by Students From Economically Backward Sections to Pursue Technical/Professional Education in India Under the Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks' Association
The Government has approved a new Central Sector Scheme to provide full interest subsidy during the period of moratorium on loans taken by students belonging to economically weaker sections from scheduled banks under the Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks’ Association for pursuing any of the approved courses of studies in technical and professional streams from recognized institutions in India.
7. Construction of Girls Hostels
The colleges and universities under the UGC, which are fit to receive central assistance under Section 12 B of the UGC Act, are eligible to receive financial assistance for this scheme. In order to achieve the goal of enhancing the status of women in Higher Education, the UGC has been providing financial support on cent per cent basis for construction of hostels for women and other related infrastructural facilities in college.
8. Supporting Uncovered State Universities and Colleges
Affiliated colleges of State Universities are technically under the purview of UGC but do not get assistance as they do not meet the minimum eligibility norms in terms of physical facilities and human resources. The Ministry intends to strengthen those colleges and universities with focus on underserved areas to enable these institutions to fulfil the criteria for UGC assistance.
In the XIth Plan period, it is envisaged to provide additional assistance to universities and colleges which are already declared fit to receive grants under Section 12B of the UGC Act.
10. Strengthening Science Based Higher Education and Research in Universities
Looking at the declining quality and quantum of scientific research in India, an Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.M. Sharma was constituted for rejuvenation of Basic Scientific Research in Universities. Based on the recommendations of Task Force action for strengthening science based education and research in Universities has been initiated.
The main objective of the scheme is to promote excellence in research in higher education by supporting research programmes of the University and College teachers in various disciplines. The UGC has been striving for promoting teaching and research in emerging areas in Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Literature, Pure Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Medical Agriculture Science etc. Teachers who are permanent / regular, retired / working in the Universities and colleges which are recognised under section 2(f) and declared fit to receive grants under 12 B of the UGC Act, 1956 only are eligible.
11. Inter Universities Research Institute for Policy and Evaluation
It has been decided that a Centre for Policy Research and Evaluation in Education may be created in NUEPA for which a Concept Note is being prepared by the Vice Chancellor, NUEPA.
