Correspondent
SHILLONG JUN 10: Nearly 80 percent of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) projects sanctioned in the North Eastern Region have been completed despite geographical challenges, an official said on Wednesday.
Addressing a regional workshop on the implementation of RUSA and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha (PM-USHA) for the North Eastern States, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Union Ministry of Education, Avni Gupta Pethia stressed the importance of expediting the remaining projects, particularly as the deadline for closure of pending RUSA projects approaches.
Pethia also urged states to accelerate the implementation and utilization of PM-USHA funds, assuring them of the ministry’s continued support and willingness to address genuine implementation challenges.
The joint secretary acknowledged the unique geographical conditions of the North Eastern Region and reiterated the central government’s commitment through the 90:10 funding pattern under centrally sponsored schemes.
Inaugurating the workshop, Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui acknowledged the transformative impact of the National Education Policy while also drawing attention to persistent challenges in infrastructure development, project implementation, and service delivery.
He highlighted the unique geographical and topographical constraints faced by the North Eastern states, noting that difficult terrain, land availability issues, communication barriers, and logistical challenges often delay project execution despite the commitment of beneficiary institutions and state governments.
Citing examples from Meghalaya, Rymbui pointed out that even where adequate land is available, steep slopes and difficult terrain often limit infrastructure development.
He appealed to the Union ministry of education to continue “adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach” in project implementation and fund release mechanisms, considering the unique realities of the region.
The workshop deliberated on project implementation, fund utilisation, infrastructure development, and strategies to ensure timely completion of ongoing RUSA and PM-USHA projects across the North Eastern States.