New Delhi: Cabinet on Thursday i.e. on January 21, 2010, is expected to consider a proposal to launch a new scheme for establishment of one model degree colleges, in each of the 374 identified educationally backward districts, having a gross enrolment ratio lower than the national average for higher education.
The initiative to start the model degree colleges is taken by Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry, along with the University Grants Commission (UGC). Considering the fact to meet the increasing demand of education, the Union government in the 11th five year plan decided to start model degree colleges in those areas of the country, where Gross Enrolment Ratio is lower than stipulated.
As per sources, the list include 62 districts identified by the minority affairs ministry as minority concentration districts, where the population of minority group is over 20% on the basis of the 2001 census and have poor socio-economic indicators and basic amenities indicators. The colleges, to be set up with central-state funding, would also be established in 17 districts, where minorities constitute 20% or more of the population. Further, in 36 districts, which are dominated by those who are religious minorities nationally, but are a majority in the respective states.
