20 Nov : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for strengthening and development of agricultural education at a total cost of Rs.2276.65 crore during the XI Plan. The Scheme comprises sub-schemes namely:
(i) Development and Strengthening of Agricultural Universities (Rs.1125 cr.), Niche Area of Excellence (Rs.135 crore), Experiential Learning (Rs.250 crore) and library (Rs.125 crore);
(ii) Educational Quality and Reforms (Rs. 3 crore);
(iii) HRD (Rs.216.70 crore); and
(iv) Modernization of Agricultural University Farms (Rs.421.95 crore)
The Scheme aims to enhance quality and relevance of agricultural education so that the human resource thus developed can contribute to sustainable development of agriculture and is also able to respond to national challenges and external pressures due to rising competitiveness in curricula, establishing niche areas of excellence, creating experiential learning units, accreditation, supporting faculty development, promoting excellence and expertise of the scientists of eminence, reducing inbreeding in education, and providing funds for critical as well overall development and strengthening of the Agricultural Universities.
This will lead to improvement in structural and infrastructural facilities like classroom, laboratory, girls’ and boys’ hostels, international hostels, library, museum, sports complex, examination halls, modernization of agricultural university farms etc. The Scheme will also provide fellowships, faculty development, student amenities and centers of excellence.