(a) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified the educationally
backward districts of Jharkhand and Bihar where the ratio of total registration for
higher education is below the national average percentage;
(b) if so, the names thereof and the districts which had been identified on the basis of
census 2011; and
(c) the efforts made/being made to improve the quality of higher education in these
districts?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)
(a) to (c): An Expert Committee constituted by the University Grants Commission
(UGC) had identified 374 Educationally Backward Districts (EBDs) where Gross
Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education was less than the national average of
12.4% based on 2001 census data. Amongst the 374 EBDs, 12 districts were
identified in the State of Jharkhand and 25 districts in the State of Bihar. The list of
12 EBDs in the State of Jharkhand and 25 EBDs in the State of Bihar is annexed.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
(RUSA) is being implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource Development with
the aim of promoting access, equity and quality. The scheme, inter alia, provides
central assistance to States for creation of New Model Degree Colleges, upgradation
of existing degree colleges to Model Degree Colleges, Infrastructure grants to
college and universities, New colleges (Professional) etc.
As on date, under various components, the Project Approval Board (PAB) of
RUSA has approved an amount of Rs. 240 crores in 12 EBDs in the State of
Jharkhand and an amount of Rs. 108.85 crores, in 10 EBDs in the State of Bihar.
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