उच्च शिक्षा वित्त पोषण में उछाल: Dept of Higher Education बजट ₹50,748 cr तक पहुँचता है, PM‑USHA का विस्तार – UPSC परिणाम
Ministry of Education ने Department of Higher Education का बजट FY 2025‑26 के लिए ₹50,748 crore तक बढ़ा दिया, RUSA के तीसरे चरण को PM‑USHA के रूप में लॉन्च किया, जिसमें underserved districts के लिए ₹12,926 crore आवंटित किए गए। नए IITs, University Townships और डिजिटल लर्निंग पहल का उद्देश्य पहुँच का विस्तार, गुणवत्ता में सुधार और NEP 2020 के साथ संरेखण करना है, जिससे यह फंडिंग पैटर्न शिक्षा वित्त और centre‑state सहयोग पर एक प्रमुख UPSC विषय बन जाता है।
Overview The Ministry of Education has raised the budget for the Department of Higher Education from ₹34,006.39 crore in FY 2021‑22 to ₹50,747.66 crore in FY 2025‑26. This increase supports several flagship schemes such as RUSA and its third phase, the PM‑USHA . Key Developments (Bullet Points) Budget growth: Allocation rose by ~49% over five years, reaching ₹50,748 crore in FY 2025‑26. PM‑USHA launch: Initiated in June 2023 with ₹12,926.10 crore for FY 2023‑26, extended to March 2028. Focus districts: States identify districts with low Gross Enrolment Ratio, gender disparity, and socio‑economic challenges for priority funding. Infrastructure push: Funding for hostels, smart classrooms, labs, digital libraries and research parks, including five new IITs with a total outlay of ₹11,828.79 crore for 6,500 additional seats. Digital learning: Support for SWAYAM/ MOOCs , online distance learning and 21st‑century skill training. Future budget plans: FY 2026‑27 proposes five University Townships near industrial corridors and a girls’ hostel in every district through Viability Gap Funding. Important Facts Central share releases under RUSA/PM‑USHA (₹ in crore) for the last five years total ₹864.25 crore. The highest single‑state allocation was to Jharkhand (₹29.50 cr in 2025‑26) and Maharashtra (₹92.49 cr in 2025‑26) . The new IITs are located in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka. UPSC Relevance Understanding the funding pattern is vital for NEP 2020 implementation, a frequent GS2/GS3 question. The b
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Key Insight
Central funding boost fuels inclusive higher‑education reforms under NEP 2020
Key Facts
- Dept. of Higher Education बजट ₹34,006.39 cr (FY 2021‑22) से बढ़कर ₹50,747.66 cr (FY 2025‑26) हो गया – लगभग 49% वृद्धि।
- PM‑USHA, जो RUSA का पुनः‑ब्रांडेड रूप है, को FY 2023‑26 के लिए ₹12,926.10 cr आवंटित किया गया, जो मार्च 2028 तक चलता रहेगा।
- Focus districts को कम Gross Enrolment Ratio, gender gap और socio‑economic चुनौतियों के आधार पर पहचाना जाता है।
- पाँच नए IITs (AP, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Karnataka) को 6,500 अतिरिक्त सीटों के लिए ₹11,828.79 cr प्राप्त हुआ।
- पिछले पाँच वर्षों में RUSA/PM‑USHA के तहत जारी किया गया Central share कुल ₹864.25 cr है।
- 2025‑26 में सबसे अधिक राज्य आवंटन: Jharkhand ₹29.50 cr, Maharashtra ₹92.49 cr।
- FY 2026‑27 प्रस्ताव में industrial corridors के पास पाँच University Townships और हर जिले में एक girls’ hostel Viability Gap Funding के माध्यम से शामिल है।
Background
Higher‑education financing falls under the Concurrent List, allowing the Centre to fund universities through schemes like RUSA and PM‑USHA. The surge aligns with NEP 2020’s goals of widening access, improving infrastructure, and fostering research, while also testing Centre‑State fiscal coordination.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
- Prelims_GS — Demographics and Social Sector
- GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
- GS3 — Government Budgeting
- Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
- GS2 — Issues relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- GS1 — Population and Associated Issues
- Prelims_GS — Physical Geography of India
Mains Angle
GS 3 – Discuss how increased central budget allocations for higher education support inclusive growth and regional equity, linking to NEP 2020 and fiscal federalism.