States reduce allocation for higher education: Purandeswari

Updated on: Thursday, January 06, 2011

Terming as unfortunate cut in budgetary allocations for higher education by some states, the Centre said both state governments and the private sector had bigger role to play in imparting quality education.

"It is unfortunate that states are reducing the allocation for higher education while Centre is all set to boost the sector," union minister of state for HRD D Purandeswari said addressing students of Central University of Orissa at Koraput.
She said though the Centre, states and the private sectors could together ensure that six per cent of GDP was spent on education, the ratio remained within 3.8 per cent to 3.9 per cent despite several efforts by the HRD ministry.

As University Grants Commission (UGC) was undertaking a programme of setting up of girls hostels in rural areas, particularly in 374 identified educationally backward places, the universities should take advantage of the opportunity, she said.

Purandeswari said if the state governments kept reducing allocation for higher education, universities would find it difficult to arrange their share for availing the facility.

"Educational infrastructure can also be developed under PPP mode," she said adding unless private sector and the state governments come forward to develop quality of higher education, the Centre alone might not be able to achieve the goal.

She said the Right to Education Act need to be implemented in letter and spirit in order to ensure that education reached one and all in the country.

States reduce allocation for higher education: Purandeswari

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