The PM-USHA program aims to transform universities into centers of excellence by providing financial support to improve infrastructure, research facilities, and overall education quality
Lucknow।On February 20, 2024, the digital inauguration of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) at the national level was conducted by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shree Narendra Modi ji. A celebration ensued at the Malviya Hall of the University of Lucknow, guided by the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, to commemorate the University's achievement of receiving a 100 crore grant from the PM-USHA scheme in the MERU category. The Chief Guest for the event was the Honorable Minister of Higher Education Uttar Pradesh, Yogendra Upadhyaya. Distinguished individuals on stage included Coordinator PM-USHA Prof. Keya Pandey from the Department of Anthropology, Registrar Vinod Kr Singh, and Pro-vice Chancellor Arvind Awasthi.
The program commenced with the welcoming of dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem and lamp lighting. The Honourable Vice Chancellor welcomed the Chief Guest with a bouquet, shawl, and memento. Prof. Keya Pandey, the coordinator of the PM-USHA program at Lucknow University, delivered the welcome address. Further Vice Chancellor Prof. Alok K Rai in his address attributed the outcome to long-term hard work and expressed gratitude to Higher education minister Shree Yogendra Upadhyaya for his continuous support, highlighting the rising stature of higher education in Uttar Pradesh under his guidance. He introduced everyone about the PM-USHA scheme, formerly known as RUSA, transformed after NEP 2020. The funding is allocated to three categories of universities: solely research-oriented institutions, multi-disciplinary education and research universities (MERUs), and core academic institutions.
Lucknow University secured funding under the MERU category due to its academic and research excellence. He also mentioned financial challenges faced by state universities. Prof. Rai revealed the achievement of gaining top place with highest points, 585 out of 650 by University of Lucknow and surpassing all other universities in MERU category of PM-USHA scheme. He also informed that Before submitting the grant proposal to PM-USHA, heads of all faculties were consulted to provide need based information on academic, research, and student need. He expressed his gratitude towards Shree Yogendra Upadhyaya and the leadership of Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi ji.
The substantial financial boost from the PM-USHA initiative will empower the University of Lucknow to enhance academic infrastructure, research capabilities, and the overall educational ecosystem. The funds will be strategically utilized to upgrade laboratories, modernize classrooms, foster innovation hubs, and promote interdisciplinary research.
Shree Yogendra Upadhyaya acknowledged the hard work of Lucknow University's team and expressed gratitude to the Honourable Governor of UP, Smt Anandi Ben Patel, for motivation and keen interest. He highlighted UP's progress in higher education, specifically mentioning Lucknow University's contribution. Yogendra Upadhyaya discussed the importance of education and medicine, commending UP's excellence in these fields under the new government. He emphasized NEP 2020 as a replacement for Lord Thomas Macaulay's foreign education policy, detailing its benefits in higher education. Financial needs, he noted, play a crucial role in the development of higher education institutions, attributing Lucknow University's success to continuous hard work.
In conclusion, Shree Yogendra Upadhyaya summarized by stating that UP is a hub of culture and many religious landmarks.
The PM-USHA program aims to transform universities into centers of excellence by providing financial support to improve infrastructure, research facilities, and overall education quality. The University of Lucknow is honored to be a recipient of this substantial grant, which will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on the academic community and the region. Registrar Dr. Vinod Kr Singh conveyed the vote of thanks, and the digital launch by Honourable PM Modi ji was viewed through an online broadcast.
( Bureau chief R L Pandey )