Patna, September 19: Patna University’s Rs 100 crore project under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) is set to gain momentum with the formation of two committees for its implementation and monitoring.
An official notification issued on the direction of the university vice-chancellor has constituted a Board of Governors and a Project Monitoring Unit for the project.
The funding has been sanctioned under the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) component of PM-USHA.
High-Tech Incubation Centre And Smart Classrooms
The Rs 100 crore project aims to strengthen multidisciplinary education and research infrastructure at Patna University.
Planned facilities include a high-tech incubation and innovation centre, modern research laboratories and smart classrooms.
The infrastructure is also intended to promote a startup culture among students and strengthen their links with industry.
Seven-Member Board Of Governors
A seven-member Board of Governors has been constituted to take policy and direction-related decisions for the project.
The university vice-chancellor will serve as its chairperson. Other members include the university’s financial adviser, director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), registrar, development officer-cum-PM-USHA MERU nodal officer, university engineer and Ashish Rohtagi, vice-president of the Bihar Industries Association.
The board will determine the overall direction of activities under PM-USHA MERU and take policy-related decisions concerning the project.
Nine-Member Project Monitoring Unit
A separate nine-member Project Monitoring Unit has been formed to oversee implementation at the ground level and conduct regular reviews.
The director of IQAC will head the unit. Its members include the deans of the Science and Law faculties, Dr Atul Aditya Pandey of the Geology Department, Dr Ram Bali Singh, Dr Mohammad Nazim of the Geography Department, the finance officer, budget and accounts officer and the officer in charge of the IT Cell.
The unit will regularly assess the project’s progress and identify obstacles affecting implementation. It will also initiate necessary action to address such issues.
Focus On NEP 2020 Goals
The PM-USHA is a central government higher education scheme aimed at supporting the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The scheme focuses on improving the quality, accessibility and equity of higher education institutions. Patna University’s MERU project is expected to use the sanctioned funds to strengthen infrastructure and support multidisciplinary education and research.
