PANAJI
Goa University, the State's sole varsity, has been selected for the prestigious multi-disciplinary education and research universities (MERU) under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
As part of this intervention, the University has received approval of Rs 100 crore from the Union Ministry for Education.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday took on X to make the announcement.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning Rs 100 crore for Goa for upgradation of Goa University as Multi-Disciplinary Education & Research University (MERU) under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan.
"It will definitely strengthen Goa University's capacity to enhance educational, skill-oriented courses under the New Education Policy 2020," Sawant said.
Out of Rs 100 crores sanctioned, Rs 82.34 crores are sanctioned for construction of three new hostels, academic school buildings for Physics, Biochemistry Marine and Earth Science as well as for construction of Research Labs, Sports facilities and DDLI building.
Also, as per approval, the GU said that Rs 5.25 crores are sanctioned for purchasing high-end equipment while Rs 7.4 crores for audio-video and multimedia laboratories, software for Library, smart boards and computers as well as for High Performing Computing Facility.
"Goa University under Rashitra Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan received a grant of Rs 20 crores twice in last seven years for infrastructure development. After that, this is the major grant the Goa University has received from Ministry of Education based on its academic performance and community engagement," the Varsity said.
The NEP 2020 recommends setting up multidisciplinary education and research university (MERU) in each district of India.
The PM-USHA aims to transform higher education, ensure quality and equity, and foster innovation, research, and employability in alignment with the NEP.
Goa University has already implemented NEP 2020 for the general education at the post graduation level from academic year 2022-23 onwards while for undergraduate from ongoing academic term.
