In a significant move to streamline the implementation of major central government higher education initiatives, the Karnataka Department of Higher Education has decided to bring in professional consultants. The department plans to hire a dedicated consultancy firm to manage the execution of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and the newer Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). A formal tender for this purpose has already been issued by the state government.
Establishing a Programme Management Unit (PMU)
The core of this plan involves setting up a specialised Programme Management Unit (PMU). This unit will provide comprehensive consultancy support to the department, ensuring that the ambitious goals of the central schemes are met efficiently and on time. The consultants will have a wide range of critical responsibilities.
Their key tasks will include meticulously tracking the progress of RUSA and PM-USHA against set targets and indicators. They will also handhold institutions across the state in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and submitting proposals for funding. Furthermore, the team will lead project implementation, conduct periodic reviews, and ensure strict adherence to all deadlines.
Massive Funding and Core Objectives
The scale of the programmes under the consultants' purview is substantial. Under the first phase of RUSA (2013-2018), Karnataka received around ₹500 crore. The ongoing second phase, RUSA-2 (2021-2025), has an allocation of ₹300 crore. The newly launched PM-USHA scheme, starting in 2024, has earmarked approximately ₹440 crore for selected universities in the state. This brings the total managed funds to a staggering ₹1,240 crore.
The primary objectives of these schemes are to transform the higher education landscape. The funds are aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and supporting institutions in achieving national accreditation. The focus is on state universities and colleges, including those run by the central government within Karnataka.
Broader Advisory Role and Contract Details
An official from the department highlighted that while there is a provision for appointing consultants under RUSA guidelines, it was not previously implemented in Karnataka. "States like Maharashtra and Gujarat already have such consultants in place. Hiring professionals will ensure efficient and expert execution of these complex schemes," the official stated.
Beyond managing RUSA and PM-USHA, the consulting team's mandate is broader. They will be required to interact with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council and provide clarifications on various higher education initiatives. This includes policies on internationalisation, research and development, and skill enhancement. The team will also advise the department on governance and policy matters.
Additionally, a specific task involves reviewing the current status of implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-based and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policies for higher education projects. Based on this review, the consultants will prepare a quarterly implementation plan to advance these policies.
According to the tender document, the higher education department is seeking a five-member consulting team for an initial one-year contract. This contract is extendable for another year based on performance, ensuring continuity and accountability in steering these crucial educational reforms forward.
