Context:

• In a major step towards ensuring equality in matter of access to quality education, the Rajasthan state government has announced establishment of 36 new government girls’ colleges in 19 districts.

Key Points:

• However, as per the critics, focus on creation of new infrastructure is of little use as long as  the existing facilities do not receive enough care. A point in this context lies in the fact that no funds have yet been allotted for existing government colleges.
• More than 150 government colleges have been opened since the current government government came to power.
• The government is trying to make education more inclusive. In this regard, the opening of new colleges in remote locations has given new opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
• However, on the flipside, the vacant seats and need of new buildings for these colleges have not been fulfilled yet.
• In addition to this, according to the General secretary of Rajasthan University and College Teacher Association (Rashtriya), last year the government had announced plans to run 52 newly opened colleges through a society.
• This year, it has to be seen whether these colleges will also see the same fate. Moreover, infrastructure facilities should be developed in these colleges as well to achieve the aim of quality education.
• Under the government’s plan, Khetan Government Polytechnic College, Jaipur will be upgraded to an Engineering College for which Rs 100 crore have been allotted.
• In addition, new ITI institutes will be opened in three districts of the state. Centre for excellence and research will be established at Maulana Azad University in Jodhpur for which Rs 15 crore will be allotted.
• The library of Hindi Sahitya Samiti situated in Bharatpur has been allotted Rs 5 crore for its maintenance and development.