Transforming education landscape: Vinoba Bhave University secures Rs 99.7 crore under PM-USHA; Aims for multidisciplinary excellence and enhanced research opportunities

Hazaribag: The Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) has been allotted Rs 99.7 crore to set up multiple Centres of Excellence under the PM-USHA MERU scheme, aimed at transforming the varsity into a multidisciplinary education and research university. VBU is the only varsity selected for this project across the two states of Bihar and Jharkhand, authorities said.Under the initiative, the university plans to set up specialised centres focusing on cyber security, remote sensing and GIS, social sciences, and applied sciences. The centres are expected to strengthen research, promote interdisciplinary learning, and create advanced facilities for the fraternity, officials said.VBU vice-chancellor Chandra Bhushan Sharma said, “The MERU project will act as the varsity’s flagship academic initiative. It will help build world-class infrastructure and provide new research opportunities, benefiting students across the region.”MERU coordinator and PM-USHA nodal officer Dr Arun Kumar Mishra said, “The project will introduce a collaborative academic model rather than the traditional subject-centric approach. The centres will focus on emerging areas and future skills, enabling students to gain practical knowledge and research exposure,” adding that the university has sought academic guidance from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to implement the project effectively and ensure high standards in research and teaching.Apart from strengthening research, the programme will also emphasise apprenticeship and internship opportunities, making students more industry-ready. The university is also planning cluster-based academic collaboration with affiliated colleges to extend the benefits of the programme, he said.Officials said the initiative is expected to benefit nearly 1.5 lakh undergraduate students every year, marking a significant step towards enhancing higher education and research capabilities at VBU.The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) was launched by the Union ministry of education in June 2023. It aims to enhance the quality of higher education in state-run institutions by promoting accessibility, equity, accountability, affordability, and quality, aligning with the five pillars of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.