PM-SHRI dispute: Central policy implemented in higher education; ₹500 crore allocated to universities

Alappuzha: Amid the ongoing dispute over the implementation of the PM-SHRI scheme in schools, the Centre’s education policy has been implemented in Kerala’s higher education sector. As part of the initiative, more than ₹500 crore has been allocated to universities in the state, and various projects have begun.

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) and the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) schemes have been implemented in colleges and universities as part of the central education policy. The four-year degree programme and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system have also been introduced.

The University of Calicut alone has been allocated ₹100 crore under the MERU scheme, which aims to strengthen research and raise the quality of undergraduate education to global standards. The project was approved in December 2024 and will remain in force until March 31, 2028. Projects worth more than ₹24 crore have already been implemented.

In addition, ₹19.4 crore has been received from central government agencies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), to promote research by faculty members across various departments.

In line with the central education policy and recommendations of the State Higher Education Review Committee, four-year degree programmes were introduced in universities from the 2024-25 academic year.

The funds received by other universities are:

• M.G. University: ₹90 crore

• CUSAT: ₹84.9 crore

• University of Kerala: ₹22 crore

• Kannur University: ₹18.83 crore

• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University: ₹27.28 lakh

• Sree Narayana Open University: ₹4 crore

The State Higher Education Council has also received ₹35 lakh.