MERITE Scheme Latest News
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for implementation of the ‘Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education’ (MERITE) Scheme.
About MERITE Scheme
- It is a ‘Central Sector Scheme’ which will be implemented in government engineering institutions and Polytechnics in all States/ UTs.
- This scheme has been formulated in collaboration with the World Bank.
- Objective: To improve the quality, equity and governance in technical education covering all States/UTs by implementing interventions aligned with the National Educational Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).
- Funding: Total financial implication of Rs.4200 crore for a period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Out of Rs.4200 crore, there will be an external assistance of Rs.2100 crore from World Bank as loan.
- It will have the facility of funds transfer from the Central Government to participating entities through a Central Nodal Agency.
- Eminent educational institutions like the IITs and IIMs and regulatory bodies in the higher education sector such as the AICTE, NBA etc. will also play a significant role in the scheme implementation.
- The initiative emphasizes 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, organizing faculty development programs, and setting up research hubs.
- Additionally, support will be provided to incubation and innovation centers, skill and maker labs, and language workshops.
Benefits of MERITE Scheme
- An estimated 275 Government/ 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, the State/ UT departments handling the technical education sector will also be supported through the MERITE scheme.
Source: PIB
MERITE Scheme FAQs
Q1: What are Central sector schemes (CSS)?
Ans: These are schemes that are fully funded and implemented by the central government of a country, without any financial contribution from the state or local governments.
Q2: What are the foundational pillars of National Educational Policy 2020?
Ans: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability
