Union Cabinet Clears Rs 4200 crore Budget Boost for Multidisciplinary Education & Research Improvement

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant budget for the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement Scheme (MERIS), aimed at strengthening higher education institutions across India. This scheme will focus on upgrading infrastructure, promoting quality research, and fostering collaboration across different fields of study. It is designed to benefit central, state, and deemed universities, giving them

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant budget for the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement Scheme (MERIS), aimed at strengthening higher education institutions across India. This scheme will focus on upgrading infrastructure, promoting quality research, and fostering collaboration across different fields of study. It is designed to benefit central, state, and deemed universities, giving them the resources to improve both teaching and learning standards.

I am writing about this because investments in higher education are directly linked to the quality of professionals and researchers our country produces. India has some of the brightest minds, but many institutions still lack modern facilities, advanced research labs, and interdisciplinary opportunities. This scheme is important because it not only funds infrastructure but also encourages a shift towards collaborative learning, where students from different disciplines work together on real-world challenges. Understanding such policy steps is vital for students, educators, and even parents, as it shows where the country’s academic priorities are headed. It also gives us an idea of how the government plans to bridge the gap between Indian universities and global standards.

What is the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement Scheme?

The MERIS programme is an upgraded version of earlier initiatives like RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) and seeks to integrate teaching, research, and innovation more closely. It is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for multidisciplinary learning and flexible academic structures.

Key Objectives of MERIS

Improve Research Facilities – Establish state-of-the-art labs and promote interdisciplinary research.
Upgrade Infrastructure – Modern classrooms, digital learning tools, and accessible libraries.
Faculty Development – Regular training and exposure to global best practices.
Student-Centric Learning – Courses designed for flexibility and skill-building.
Collaboration – Partnerships between Indian and international universities.

Budget Allocation and Scope

The budget will be used to support both existing institutions and new projects. Funds will be allocated for:

Setting up multidisciplinary research centres.
Offering grants for innovative teaching methods.
Encouraging universities to adopt blended learning models.
Expanding outreach programmes to rural and remote areas.

How It Benefits Students and Teachers

For students, the scheme promises better facilities, exposure to research opportunities, and skill-oriented courses. For teachers, it means access to professional development, research grants, and academic exchanges with foreign universities.

Long-Term Impact

If implemented effectively, MERIS can help Indian universities climb higher in global rankings, retain talented faculty, and produce graduates who are industry-ready as well as research-focused. It could also encourage more students to pursue higher studies in India instead of moving abroad.

BRAOU Announces Free Education for Girls and Tribal Students, Says VC Prof Ghanta Chakrapani

Dr B R Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has announced a special initiative to provide free education for girls and tribal children, as stated by Vice-Chancellor Prof Ghanta Chakrapani. The scheme aims to make higher education accessible to those who face social and economic barriers, ensuring that they are not left behind in academic opportunities. I

I am writing about this because such initiatives directly address one of the biggest challenges in India’s education system – inequality in access. Many girls and children from tribal communities are forced to drop out of school or never get the chance to pursue higher studies due to financial hardships. By removing tuition fees, BRAOU is not just offering education but also opening doors to better livelihoods and empowerment. This move could inspire other universities to follow suit and help bridge the educational gap in our country. It’s important for students, parents, and even policymakers to know about such opportunities so that more eligible candidates can benefit from them.

Details of the Free Education Initiative

According to Prof Ghanta Chakrapani, the scheme will cover the full tuition fees for all eligible girl students and tribal children enrolling at BRAOU. The initiative applies to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the university.

Who Can Apply

All girl students from any background are eligible
Students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, irrespective of gender
Must meet the standard admission criteria for BRAOU courses

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through BRAOU’s official admission portal
Necessary documents like caste certificates for tribal students and identity proof for girl students are required
The admission process will be as per the university’s regular schedule

Why This Matters

Providing free higher education for marginalised groups is a direct investment in social progress. Tribal communities often live in remote areas with limited access to schools, let alone colleges. Girls in many regions still face societal pressure to marry early instead of continuing their studies. Removing the cost barrier means more students will consider education as a real option.