Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio laid the foundation stone of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) projects at Dimapur Government College today which marked a significant step towards strengthening higher education infrastructure in the state. The CM highlighted that the newly established facilities will benefit Nagaland’s people, especially the student community.
Dimapur Government College, recently accredited with a B+ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), serves the educational needs of students in Nagaland’s commercial center. Reflecting its academic progress, the college recorded an 83% pass rate this year, with nine students securing spots in the Nagaland University (NU) Top 10 rankings. Of the total student population, 64% are female, a statistic CM Rio noted as emblematic of women’s educational advancement in the state.
In his address, CM Rio highlighted the importance of character in education, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s view that “knowledge without character” is hazardous. He urged educators to focus on holistic student development, stressing that true education encompasses more than academic learning and includes moral growth.
CM Rio expressed appreciation for the college’s adoption of PM-USHA initiatives which aims to increase graduate employability through skill-based learning, technical education, and Open Distance Learning (ODL) opportunities.
About PM-USHA
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) was launched in June 2023, expanding on the earlier Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme introduced in 2013. This initiative provides funding to improve higher education in India by promoting access, enhancing teaching quality, supporting accreditation, and building digital infrastructure. A key focus is on preparing students for employment through a more practical, skills-based education.
PM-USHA’s main goal is to raise the quality of state colleges and universities, ensuring they meet national standards and adopt accreditation processes. It also seeks to connect colleges with both schools and the job market, supporting India’s vision of self-reliance. By fostering research and innovation, the scheme encourages institutions to grow beyond traditional education.
PM-USHA supports 35 state universities through the MERU initiative, granting Rs 100 crore each for multidisciplinary education and research. The scheme also funds new model degree colleges and strengthens existing institutions, with a special focus on remote regions, Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, and districts with low enrollment rates. Additionally, it promotes gender equity, working with states to increase women’s participation and improve employment opportunities through digital skills training.