Jaipur, September 2026 : A review meeting of the Higher and Technical Education Department was held on Monday at the Government Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. The meeting reviewed the progress of various departmental schemes, budget announcements and ongoing activities.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure that the Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) is implemented effectively and that the maximum possible number of students are brought under its ambit. He said the programme would provide young people with practical experience in industries related to their fields of study alongside higher education.
He emphasised that practical industry exposure along with academic education plays an important role in enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial capabilities of young people.
Officials informed the meeting that under the Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programme, students are provided a stipend of Rs 12,300 during the apprenticeship period. The programme enables students to gain practical work experience in relevant industries while continuing their studies.
Regular Review of RUSA and PM-USHA Schemes
V. Srinivas directed officials to regularly review the work being undertaken under the RUSA and PM-USHA schemes and ensure that projects are completed with quality and within the stipulated timelines.
He said these schemes are helping strengthen quality, accountability and institutional capacity in higher educational institutions.
The Chief Secretary stressed that higher educational institutions should offer courses and training programmes that equip young people with skills aligned with current market requirements. Such programmes, he said, should also create greater opportunities for students to pursue employment and entrepreneurship.
45,924 Girls Benefited Under Scooty Schemes
The meeting was informed that a total of 45,924 girl students benefited from the Kalibai Bheel Meritorious Girl Student Scooty Scheme, Devnarayan Girl Student Scooty Scheme and other scooty schemes between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
During the current year, approximately 88,000 girl students will be provided benefits through e-vouchers/QR codes under the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Free Foreign Language Training
Department officials also briefed the meeting on the progress of various important schemes. They informed that around 1,200 students in government colleges are currently being provided free training in foreign languages under the Foreign Language Communication Skill Scheme.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing students’ communication abilities and expanding their opportunities in higher education, employment and other professional fields.
Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Kuldeep Ranka, along with other concerned officials, attended the meeting.
