The 22nd meeting of the State Higher Education Council in Chandigarh was held on Thursday at the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Directorate in Sector 42. The meeting, chaired by Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig, addressed critical updates, projects, and funding allocations aimed at enhancing higher education infrastructure and quality within the Union Territory.
Key points on admissions and financial progress
Professor Lakhvir Singh, Additional State Project Director (ASPD) of RUSA Chandigarh, presented the agenda, discussing 25 key items. One significant focus was the online admission process for the 2024-25 academic year. Singh informed the council that all aspects of admissions—from the joint prospectus, application submissions, merit listing, to fee payment—were fully digitalized. This streamlined system enabled the admission of 42,751 students to undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the city’s institutions, indicating both an increase in accessibility and transparency.
The council also reviewed the financial progress made with grants from the Union Ministry of Education under RUSA 1.0 and 2.0. By August 8, the council had remitted ₹2.32 crore in earned interest back to the ministry. Furthermore, Professor Singh updated the council on a grant proposal of ₹29.09 crore submitted to the Ministry of Education, seeking additional funds under RUSA/PM-USHA, which supports infrastructure development and innovation in higher education.
Funding and development initiatives
The council was briefed on the Ministry’s allocation of ₹32.45 crore for Chandigarh under RUSA/PM-USHA for the 2024-25 financial year. The funding includes a recently approved grant of ₹5 crore for GGDSD College, Sector 32, under the PM-USHA scheme. This grant is expected to boost the college’s infrastructure, promote academic programs, and facilitate enhanced student support services. The council also discussed the importance of quality assurance in education and reviewed the assessment and accreditation status of various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Chandigarh. Thirteen institutions, including Panjab University, currently hold a valid NAAC grade, and five institutions have secured rankings in the NIRF-2024, signaling progress in meeting national standards.
Strengthening digital infrastructure and innovation
A significant part of the discussion focused on digital and technological enhancements in Chandigarh’s educational institutions. The council addressed the need for high-speed internet connectivity across all HEIs under the National Knowledge Network Scheme. Collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Chandigarh will ensure seamless internet connectivity, thereby supporting both faculty and students in accessing online resources, participating in digital classrooms, and engaging in research.
The council also reviewed proposals to establish Institutional Innovation Councils, incubation centers, and startup hubs within government institutions. These initiatives aim to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, equipping them with skills that are essential in today’s job market. In particular, a centralized training and placement cell will be set up at the State Project Directorate in Sector 42, which is expected to bridge the gap between academic education and employability, providing career guidance and job placement support.
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Faculty recruitment and addressing staffing gaps
To maintain high educational standards, the council also focused on tackling the shortage of teaching staff in Chandigarh’s government colleges. The Ministry has approved recruitment rules for 417 posts of assistant professors and 32 posts of librarians. Additionally, to alleviate immediate faculty shortages, 27 retired teachers from various disciplines have rejoined under court orders, and 19 faculty members from Haryana are expected to join on deputation soon. This influx of experienced educators will help ensure that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction, especially in areas facing a shortage of qualified faculty.
RUSA: A strategic boost for state universities
RUSA, a centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2013, has played a pivotal role in bolstering higher education across India. The scheme partners with over 300 state universities and affiliated colleges, providing strategic funding aimed at improving infrastructure, resources, and educational quality. For general-category states, the funding is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the central and state governments, while special-category states receive a 90:10 ratio, and union territories like Chandigarh receive full central funding. This outcome-based funding approach ensures that state universities and colleges align with national benchmarks in education.
Moving forward
The 22nd State Higher Education Council meeting emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to improving Chandigarh’s higher education sector. While technology and digital initiatives are essential for modernization, traditional measures such as faculty recruitment, infrastructure development, and innovation in teaching methods are equally crucial. Through initiatives under RUSA and PM-USHA, Chandigarh is well-positioned to build a stronger, more resilient higher education system that addresses the needs of students and educators alike.
