The Maharashtra government is preparing an ambitious Rs 6,000-crore proposal to strengthen research infrastructure across public universities and state-run institutions, including Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) and the College of Engineering Pune. Modelled on the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), the proposed initiative—tentatively titled CM-USHA—aims to modernise laboratories and libraries across campuses.
This marks one of the most significant efforts in nearly two decades to overhaul research facilities in government institutions. The state also plans to collaborate with IIT-Bombay to replicate advanced laboratory models and bring them in line with current industry standards.
According to officials, funding under the scheme will be allocated on a project-specific basis rather than as a fixed recurring grant. Each project will be closely monitored, with periodic progress reviews to ensure effective implementation. The proposal, aligned with the long-term vision of Viksit Maharashtra, has already been submitted to the finance department for approval.
“Many of our institutions continue to rely on outdated equipment, which is limiting students’ employment prospects. For instance, a nanotechnology department at a leading public university is still using equipment purchased two decades ago. The industry is, therefore, often reluctant to hire graduates who lack hands-on exposure to the equipment currently in use and are therefore not job-ready. Government institutions urgently need infrastructure upgrades to provide real shop-floor experience. Many private institutions, on the other hand, are able to offer such exposure through regular investments in research facilities,” said an official.
If cleared, the initiative is expected to significantly boost student employability and placement outcomes over time. Another official noted that institutions such as the Institute of Chemical Technology, which perform well in national rankings, should be further supported.
A professor highlighted existing efforts through CSR funding but pointed out persistent gaps. “We also have some centres of excellence where we regularly upgrade research infrastructure. But what our students are exposed to is no match to the exposure that students from IITs and NITs get. These days, most industry equipment is AI-enabled, and therefore, the ones we have are naturally outdated,” said the professor.
Source: The Times of India
