What happened: MERITE scheme launched for 275 technical institutions

The Government launched MERITE (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education) with the stated goal of improving quality, equity and governance in technical education. The Ministry of Education announced a total programme outlay of Rs. 4,200 crore for implementation across 275 technical institutions.

The Government stated that all States and Union Territories are part of MERITE. The Government also named Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh as included in the scheme.

Background and earlier position: technical education reform increasingly links quality, equity and governance

Technical education policy in India has increasingly focused on improving learning and research outcomes and also strengthening how technical institutions are managed. In plain terms, governance in education refers to how institutions plan, use resources, follow rules, and show accountability for results. Equity in education refers to fair access and support so that students from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit.

What changed now: MERITE operationalises technical education improvement through a large, institution-targeted scheme