Latest news with #MultidisciplinaryEducationandResearchImprovementinTechnicalEducation
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Government approves MERITE scheme to strengthen technical institutes
The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to implement the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) scheme in 275 institutions across the country – 175 engineering institutes and 100 polytechnic colleges – Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a Cabinet briefing on Friday (August 8, 2025). A government statement said MERITE would work as a Central Sector Scheme with a total financial implication of ₹4,200 crore to be spent in five years, between 2025-26 and 2029-30, adding that ₹2,100 crore will come as an external assistance from the World Bank in the form of a loan. The Education Ministry, in its statement, said the scheme is meant to 'improve the quality, equity, and governance' in the selected technical institutes by interventions aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the scheme and posted on X, saying, 'Research, innovation and skilling will be significantly boosted with this Cabinet decision to support 'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education'.' Education Minister Dharmender Pradhan said the scheme will empower and provide employability to over 7.5 lakh students in India, adding, 'Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji has placed unprecedented focus on transforming and revolutionising India's education landscape.' The outcomes of the scheme include preparing digitalization strategies in participating States/UTs, developing guidelines for multidisciplinary programmes in technical courses, increasing learning, employability skills, and transition rates across student groups, strengthening research and innovation among others, the government statement said. It said that there will be a focus on 'development of future academic administrators, especially women faculty'. The project appraisal report prepared by the World Bank for the scheme in 2023 had said that the 'overall research productivity of faculty members in engineering education is low, and the research environment needs improvement' and that 'most engineering institutions have weak research and innovation linkages with industry and society'. The Education Ministry said on Friday (August 8, 2025) that the scheme's outcomes will include better quality assurance and governance mechanisms, an increase in accreditation, better technical education institutions, and a relevant market-aligned curriculum, among others. It will be implemented in government engineering institutions and polytechnics in all States and UTs, adding that institutions like IITs, IIMs, and regulatory bodies such as AICTE, NBA, will 'play a significant role in the scheme implementation'. The interventions for students will include offering internships, updating curricula to align with the industry, organising faculty development programmes and setting up research hubs. Support will also be given for 'incubation and innovation centres, skill and maker labs, and language workshops'.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Cabinet clears ₹4,200 crore Merite scheme to upgrade technical education
The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the 'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education' (Merite) scheme aimed at improving the quality of technical education across India. "It is a 'Central Sector Scheme' with total financial implication of ₹4,200 crore for a period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Out of ₹4,200 crore, there will be an external assistance of ₹2,100 crore from the World Bank as loan," the Cabinet statement said. What the scheme covers The Merite scheme will cover 275 government and government-aided technical institutions, including 175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics. These include selected National Institutes of Technology (NITs), state engineering colleges, affiliating technical universities (ATUs), and polytechnic institutes across various states and union territories (UTs). In addition to institutional support, the scheme will also extend assistance to state and UT departments overseeing technical education. The initiative is expected to benefit around 7.5 lakh students by enhancing access to improved academic resources, infrastructure, and industry-aligned training, the Cabinet said. Expected outcomes The government expects the scheme to deliver: Digitalisation strategies at the state/UT level Multidisciplinary programme guidelines Improved quality assurance and governance Labour market-aligned curricula and blended learning Enhanced research and innovation capacity Higher student transition rates across groups Focus on employability The Centre said the scheme will emphasise skills to improve employability through a comprehensive approach. 'Key interventions include offering internship opportunities, updating curricula to align with industry requirements, organising faculty development programmes, and setting up research hubs,' it added.
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Cabinet clears Rs 4200 crore MERITE scheme for multidisciplinary technical education reform
On August 8 2025, the union cabinet gave the green light to a significant new initiative aimed at transforming technical education across India. The scheme called Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) will support 275 government and government-aided technical institutions including engineering colleges and polytechnics with a funding outlay of Rs 4200 IS MERITE SCHEME?MERITE is a Central Sector Scheme designed to elevate the quality, equity, and governance of technical education nationwide. This ambitious programme aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision for a multidisciplinary, innovative, and skill-driven education will be rolled out over five years, from 2025-26 to AND SUPPORT From the budget of total Rs 4200 crores half of it which is Rs 2100 crores will come from the World Bank as a loan highlighting the global confidence in India's educational reforms. The rest will be funded by the Central WILL BENEFIT?The scheme will impact around 275 government and government-aided technical institutions including,National Institutes of Technology (NITs)State Engineering CollegesPolytechnicsAffiliating Technical Universities (ATUs)Additionally, state and UT departments managing technical education will receive support. The most exciting outcome: approximately 7.5 lakh students will benefit through improved learning environments, better infrastructure, and enhanced IMPACTThe MERITE scheme isn't just about buildings and equipment, it's a comprehensive push to reform how technical education is delivered and experienced. Some key expected outcomes includeAdoption of digital strategies across states and UTsNew guidelines for multidisciplinary courses, encouraging broader learningBoosted employability and skill development for studentsHigher student retention and transition rates across diverse groupsStrengthened research and innovation cultureEnhanced quality assurance and governance in technical institutionsIncreased accreditation rates and overall institutional qualityCurriculum updates aligned with industry needs, including blended learning formatsTraining and development of future academic leaders, with a focus on empowering women facultyIMPLEMENTATIONThe programme will primarily target government engineering institutions and polytechnics in every state and union territory. It will be implemented through a central nodal agency responsible for fund disbursal and premier educational institutions such as IITs and IIMs, along with key regulatory bodies like AICTE and NBA, will play a pivotal role in guiding and overseeing the scheme's MERITE SCHEME WILL ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESOne of the core goals of MERITE is to boost the employability of fresh graduates. The scheme emphasises practical, industry-relevant skills by:Providing internships and hands-on learning experiencesUpdating curricula to meet labour market demandsOrganising faculty training and development programsEstablishing research hubs, incubation centres, and innovation labsSupporting skill labs, maker spaces, and language workshopsThese initiatives are designed to improve placement rates and reduce unemployment among engineering and technical graduates, giving young professionals a stronger foothold in the competitive job MERITE MATTERSIndia's sustainable growth depends heavily on technological progress, which in turn requires strong academic and research foundations. Innovation and research are critical to solving modern challenges, and MERITE seeks to create a lasting impact by fostering an environment where these can scheme's design is deeply rooted in the reforms proposed by the National Education Policy 2020, addressing curriculum modernization, pedagogy, multidisciplinary integration, faculty development, gender equity, and digital AND UT COLLABORATIONadvertisementSuccessful implementation of MERITE depends on close collaboration with state and union territory governments. Their input has been invaluable in shaping the scheme, ensuring it meets local needs and maximises MERITE scheme is a bold step toward revolutionising technical education in India. By investing in quality, equity, and governance, it promises to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals ready to drive the country's future strong backing from the government and international partners like the World Bank, MERITE could well be a game-changer in shaping India's educational landscape over the next five years.- Ends
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Union cabinet approves schemes, road project worth over Rs 10,000 crore
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a series of schemes and projects, including a Rs 4,200 crore allocation to state governments for the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme, a Rs 4,250 crore special development package for Assam and Tripura, and a Rs 2,157 crore four-lane National Highway project connecting a 46 km stretch between Marakkanam and Puducherry on the Chennai-Nagapattinam NH 332A. Briefing the media after the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the MERITE scheme, aimed at enhancing the quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all states and Union territories. The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and focuses on improving technical education standards. Vaishnaw stated that the scheme will benefit 175 state engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics, providing funds to states and UTs to support approximately 7.5 lakh students. The initiative aims to enhance employability skills, boost placement rates, reduce unemployment, and strengthen research and innovation ecosystems. It is also expected to improve quality assurance and governance mechanisms in technical education. In another decision, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs 4,250 crore Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura to consolidate peace and accelerate development in targeted regions. This follows historic peace accords signed in recent years with key ethnic and insurgent groups, including the Adivasi groups (2022), Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA)/Dimasa People's Supreme Council (DPSC) (2023), United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) factions (2023), and National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT)/All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) (2024). Key allocations under the package include Rs 500 crore for Adivasi-inhabited areas in Assam, Rs 500 crore for the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) region targeting Dimasa communities, Rs 3,000 crore for ULFA-affected areas across Assam, and Rs 250 crore for tribal development in Tripura. The total package is worth Rs 7,250 crore, with the remaining Rs 3,000 crore to be contributed by the Assam government. The Assam components will be implemented over five years (2025–2030), while the Tripura component will span four years (2025–2029).
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Cabinet okays Rs 4,200 crore scheme to upgrade technical education in India
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the proposal for implementation of the Rs 4,200 crore 'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education' (MERITE) Scheme in 275 technical institutions comprising 175 engineering institutions and 100 polytechnics across the country from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Out of the total Rs 4,200 crore outlay, there will be an external assistance of Rs 2,100 crore from a World Bank loan, according to a Cabinet communique. The objective of the scheme is to improve the quality, equity and governance in technical education across all states and UTs by implementing interventions aligned with the National Educational Policy-2020 (NEP-2020), it said. An estimated 275 government and government-aided technical institutions are expected to be selected and supported under the scheme. This will include selected National Institutes of Technology (NITs), State Engineering Institutions, Polytechnics and Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs). Apart from this, state and UT departments handling technical education will also be supported through the MERITE scheme. About 7.5 lakh students are expected to benefit from the scheme, the statement said. Apart from more employment generation, the major outcomes expected from the scheme are digitalisation strategies in participating states and UTs, development of guidelines for multidisciplinary programmes among technical courses and an increase in learning and employability skills of students. Besides, an increase in transition rate of students across student groups, a strengthened research and innovation environment, better quality assurance and governance mechanisms resulting in long-term benefits, an increase in accreditation and better technical education institution-level quality assurance are the other expected benefits. This scheme will also aim to roll out relevant, labour market-aligned curricula and blended courses and the development of future academic administrators, especially women faculty. The scheme will be implemented in government engineering institutions and polytechnics in all states and UTs. The interventions are aligned with NEP-2020 and are aimed at enhancing the quality, equity and governance of the participating institutions. Eminent educational institutions like the IITs and IIMs, and regulatory bodies in the higher education sector, such as the AICTE, the NBA, etc., will also play a significant role in the scheme implementation. The initiative emphasises enhancing students' skills to improve their employability through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Key interventions include offering internship opportunities, updating curricula to align with industry requirements, organising faculty development programmes, and setting up research hubs. Additionally, support will be provided to incubation and innovation centres, skill and maker labs, and language workshops. These measures aim to boost the employability of fresh graduates, leading to higher placement rates and ultimately helping to reduce unemployment among engineering students in the states and Union Territories.
