The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has issued an official notification inviting higher education institutions (HEIs) to actively participate in the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) programme. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to bring about sustainable rural development through the involvement of academic institutions across the country.
The UGC letter, dated 28th October 2024, emphasizes the critical role of UBA in fostering community engagement and social responsibility within the framework of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. HEIs are encouraged to contribute to societal transformation by addressing the specific challenges faced by rural communities, with a focus on adapting existing technologies and innovating practical solutions to improve the implementation of government schemes.
UBA’s Role in Fostering Rural Development and NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced a renewed focus on community engagement and social responsibility as part of the academic agenda. In line with this vision, the UBA programme offers HEIs the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to sustainable rural development.
The UGC has also introduced a two-credit course on “Community Engagement and Social Responsibility” available on the SWAYAM platform. This course aims to familiarize faculty and students with the principles of community engagement and encourage them to actively participate in socially relevant projects. It is available online at the following link: SWAYAM UBA Course.
UBA Registration and Proposal Submission Process
The registration process for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is open throughout the year, allowing interested HEIs to register at any time. HEIs that have already registered with UBA are encouraged to submit proposals for projects aimed at addressing rural development challenges. These proposals can be submitted under various categories, focusing on the institution’s commitment to curriculum reforms and community-based solutions. HEIs can submit their proposals via the UBA Proposal Submission Portal at UBA Portal. The deadline for submitting proposals for the current phase is 30th October 2024.
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Categories for Proposal Submission under UBA
The proposals submitted by HEIs will be evaluated based on the guidelines provided under two primary categories: Technology Development and Technology Customization. The emphasis is on field-based technical interventions that directly address the needs of UBA-connected villages.
Technology Development:
This category involves the submission of proposals where fully developed technological interventions are ready for dissemination in rural areas. These solutions must be designed to address real-world challenges identified through baseline surveys. The funding cap for this category is ₹1,00,000, and projects must demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase.
Technology Customization:
Proposals in this category should focus on modifying existing technologies to better suit the geographical and socio-economic needs of rural populations. The customization must be outcome-oriented, with clear objectives and time-bound deliverables. The funding cap for this category is ₹2,50,000, and projects must ensure that the customized solutions can be implemented sustainably even after the completion of the funded project period.
Responsibilities and Participation of (UGC) Higher Education Institutions
This UGC communication has been addressed to the Vice-Chancellors of all universities and the Principals of all colleges across the country, emphasizing the importance of HEI participation in Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. By joining this initiative, institutions can significantly contribute to the social and economic development of rural India while enriching their academic programmes with practical community-based learning experiences. The UBA registration portal remains open, and registered institutions are expected to submit their proposals on time to be considered for funding and support.
Contact Information for UBA-Related Queries
For further information or assistance regarding the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan programme, institutions may reach out to the UGC using the following contact details:
| Contact Details |
|---|
| Address: Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002 |
| Phone: 011-23236288 / 011-23239337 |
| Email: secy.ugc@nic.in |
Institutions are also advised to regularly check the UBA portal for updates on proposal submissions, funding opportunities, and programme-related guidelines. The UBA team at UGC is available to provide support and guidance for institutions interested in participating or submitting proposals.
