Lucknow: A high-level and detailed review meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Chancellor of State Universities, Smt. Anandiben Patel, was held at Raj Bhavan on Monday to assess the progress of ongoing and pending building projects across various state universities. The meeting focused on project timelines, delays, financial allocations, and completion targets, ensuring that infrastructure development in higher education institutions advances with quality and accountability.
The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode and included an extensive review of construction works funded under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘PM-USHA’ (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan). The scheme aims to enhance quality, access, and equity in higher education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Governor Emphasizes Timely Completion and Quality Work
Reviewing the status of each project, Governor Patel directed universities, executing agencies, PM-USHA representatives, and officials of concerned departments to hold regular review meetings and ensure time-bound resolution of all issues hindering construction progress.
She stressed that:
- All construction must be high-quality,
- Completed within the stipulated timeframe, and
- Subject to joint monitoring by the Chancellor’s Office, Raj Bhavan, and departmental authorities.
The Governor also underlined the need to investigate reasons for long-pending delays, instructing Additional Chief Secretaries of relevant departments and Higher Education officials to conduct field visits and take concrete corrective action.
Focus on User-Oriented Design and Efficient Utilization
Governor Patel highlighted that the design of buildings—from planning to tendering to final construction—must reflect the practical requirements of users, especially students.
She directed:
- Mandatory inspection of dilapidated buildings,
- Construction of new buildings only when necessary,
- Optimal use of existing structures, and
- Prioritization of skill development programs for women within university premises.
PWD officials were instructed to ensure that only qualified engineers design and supervise building projects. The Governor stated that infrastructure standards must differ for Anganwadi centres, schools, and universities as each institution has unique functional needs.
She also cautioned against frequent changes in executing agencies and urged Vice Chancellors to actively inspect construction sites, present challenges transparently during reviews, and ensure progress without delays.
As per NEP 2020 guidelines, she instructed universities to plan smaller, utility-based classrooms, determine room size based on student strength, and ensure hostels are equipped with modern facilities such as washing machines, dish-wash areas, and large kitchens. Cleanliness on university campuses must be strictly maintained.
Review of PM-USHA Fund Utilization
While reviewing PM-USHA funded construction, Governor Patel directed universities and officials to prioritize projects keeping student welfare at the centre.
She emphasized creating a robust system that ensures continuity of work, even when vice chancellors or other officers are transferred. The Governor also highlighted the need for multi-storey buildings and stressed continued high-level monitoring by the Higher Education Department.
Governor Patel informed the gathering that she has held meetings with 125 aided government colleges, where numerous issues were identified. She instructed officials to conduct a thorough review and ensure timely solutions.
Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by:
- Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Special Officer to the Governor
- Dr. Pankaj L. Jani, Special Officer (Education)
- Ajay Chauhan, Principal Secretary, PWD
- Amit Aseri, Special Secretary, PWD
- Vice Chancellors and Registrars of various universities
- Officials from executing agencies
- Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers
- Managing Directors and senior officers from related departments
Governor Anandiben Patel reiterated that the state government and Raj Bhavan remain committed to ensuring world-class infrastructure in universities, in harmony with NEP 2020. She emphasized collective responsibility, strict supervision, and swift execution to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s higher education ecosystem.
