Govt higher education scheme likely to get Rs 500 crore

A substantial allocation is also likely for setting up of 200 community colleges in the country, besides and research parks and innovation centres.

The Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) aims at expanding the institutional base of higher education by creating additional capacity in existing institutions, establishing new institutions and incentivising state governments.

HRD Ministry officials said they would be pressing for at least five per cent hike in the budget for the Ministry so that focus could also be given on critical areas like enhancing quality of the teacher training programmes and meeting the requirements under skill development initiatives.

One of the budget proposals could also include allocation of 'norm-based' funds to central universities against the present practice of capital grants.

This would mean that varsities receiving central aid will be given on the basis of number of students and actual demands for infrastructure like laboratory, library etc.

As per the present practice, central universities are funded on account of total capital grants.

Secondly, one of the key areas for the Centre during the next financial year would be increased focus on state universities.

Adequate thrust would also be given on student financial aid programme too.

During 2012-13 financial year, the higher education sector had received Rs 15,458 crore while school education got Rs 45,969 crore.

However, the allocation for both these departments got 10 to 14 per cent cut recently along with those for other ministries.