Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) In News

The Ministry of Education has announced the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a scheme for improving equity, access, and excellence in higher education across India. However, controversy rose due to the implementation requirements of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and certain academic criteria for accessing funds. Per the scheme, states and Union Territories must commit to implementing NEP 2020 and adopt specific academic standards to access the allocated ₹12,926.10 crore for 2023-24 and 2025-26. Only 22 states and Union Territories have joined PM-USHA, with others expressing resistance to NEP 2020. Critics have raised concerns about increased dropout rates and the affordability of a four-year undergraduate program. States have called for more dialogue to negotiate better terms with the ministry.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

  1. Understand the main motive behind the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
  2. Learn about the controversy surrounding the implementation of NEP 2020 and the consequences this has.
  3. Identify the requirements for access to the funds allocated under the PM-USHA scheme.
  4. Familiarize with the dissenting states and their contention with the provided schemes.
  5. Examine the challenges and concerns expressed regarding the commitment to NEP2020 and how it could potentially affect students.