SSA model for higher education

COIMBATORE: The success of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the Central government’s flagship scheme for attaining universal elementary education in the country, has prompted the University Grants Commission to pitch in for a Rashtriya Uchch Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme under the 12th Plan period (2012-17).The RUSA, aimed at drastically increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in universities and colleges, is a key feature of the UGC’s concept document on reforms in higher education during the new plan period.According to University of Madras former Vice Chancellor S P Thyagarajan, who is a co-author of the Plan document, the RUSA mission is intended to increase the GER in higher education from the current 11-12 per cent to 25 per cent over the next five years across the nation. “The RUSA proposal has been accepted in principle. The modalities for rolling this out are being worked out,” Thyagarajan told Express on Friday.