RUSA 2.0 in deep waters in Assam; PWD, HOUSEFED & AHSB too late to start construction work

February 21: Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 1.0 and 2.0 are in deep waters in Assam due to non-submission of Utilization Certificates for crores of rupees. This has resulted in technical difficulties of releasing the rest installments. RUSA 1.0 started in Assam in 2014-15, whereas RUSA 2.0 started in 2018-19 in Assam. The irony of the fact is that both the two schemes, that is, 1.0 & 2.0 are moving at a snails pace in Assam.

RUSA run under the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry is a mission under the 90:10 funding pattern between the Centre and the State government for the development of institutions of higher education. As per RUSA sources, Rs 456.93 crore was approved against nine components under RUSA 1.0 till December 2019. But Assam has only received Rs. 366.90 crore. The state has disbursed only Rs. 294.86 crore to the institutions. Utilisation to the tune of crores of rupees are still pending, which has created in hindrance for the release of subsequent installments.

RUSA 2.0 is also limping ahead with baby steps in Assam. Under RUSA 2.0, the responsibility of infrastructure development works was entrusted to government agencies like the PWD, the HOUSEFED (Housing Federation) and the ASHB (Assam State Housing Board). These agencies have failed in their tasks. Under compelling circumstances, RUSA had to warn both HOUSEFED and ASHB and ask them to complete 40 percent of works given to them by 31 March, 2020. However, the agencies have blamed the institutions and have alleged that late signing of the MoUs (Memorandum of Understandings) and difficulties in the process of tender is the main cause of delay.

The state RUSA authorities are infact worried because they will have to submit Utilization Certificates to the centre by 31 March, 2020, which will not be feasible if the infrastructural works are completed in time by the building agencies.