Chhattisgarh Government Unveils Major Education and Youth Infrastructure Investment Plan
The state government of Chhattisgarh has announced a comprehensive financial package aimed at strengthening higher education, competitive exam preparation, and youth infrastructure development. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the state's students and educational institutions.
Competitive Exam Coaching Support Through CG ACE Scheme
In a major highlight, the government has allocated Rs 38 crore under the Chhattisgarh Assistance for Competitive Exams (CG ACE) scheme. This funding will provide crucial coaching support to aspiring students through three specialized programs:
- Udaan Program: Focused on preparation for national-level entrance exams including NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), and CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).
- Shikhar Program: Dedicated to civil service aspirants preparing for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission) examinations.
- Manzil Program: Targeting government job seekers preparing for Railway, Banking, and SSC (Staff Selection Commission) examinations.
Substantial Funding for Higher Education Infrastructure
To boost higher education across the state, the government has earmarked Rs 731 crore as grants for state universities. This substantial allocation is expected to enhance academic facilities, research capabilities, and overall educational quality at university level.
Additionally, Rs 25 crore has been specifically allocated for constructing 25 new college buildings across various locations in Chhattisgarh. This expansion initiative aims to increase access to higher education in underserved regions and accommodate growing student populations.
Major Investments in Technical and Digital Infrastructure
The government has outlined significant investments in technical education and digital infrastructure development:
- Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology (CGIT) Expansion: Rs 38 crore has been sanctioned for establishing new CGIT centres in seven locations including Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Kawardha, Raigarh, Jashpur, and Jagdalpur.
- ITI and Polytechnic Upgradation: Rs 50 crore has been set aside for upgrading the infrastructure of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnic colleges across the state.
- Innovation and Technology Centres: Rs 35 crore has been allocated for the 36 Inc CG Innovation Centre and the STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) Centre of Excellence.
- IIIT Raipur Development: Rs 20 crore has been provided for infrastructure development at the International Institute of Information Technology in Raipur.
The government has also announced additional investments for technical institutes and Centres of Excellence in select government colleges, though specific funding amounts for these components were not detailed in the announcement.
This comprehensive education investment plan demonstrates the Chhattisgarh government's commitment to creating robust educational infrastructure, enhancing competitive exam preparation facilities, and developing technical education capabilities across the state.
