The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a grant scheme to upgrade infrastructure in technical institutes across North East India. The initiative, named the Grant For Augmenting Infrastructure In North Eastern Region (GAINER), addresses critical issues like water supply, power access, and internet connectivity.
The scheme targets government and government-aided colleges, including polytechnic institutes. It aims to enhance the daily functional efficiency for students in remote areas of the region.
Scheme Overview and Implementation
The GAINER scheme provides financial assistance to improve essential campus facilities. It focuses on ensuring regular water supply, installing captive solar power systems, and establishing high-speed internet connections.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is responsible for implementing the scheme. This collaboration aims to directly tackle infrastructure challenges faced by students and faculty.
Available Funding and Project Durations
AICTE has set specific funding limits and completion timelines for each project type under the GAINER scheme. Institutes must complete sanctioned projects according to these guidelines:
| Project Name | Funding Limit | Project Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Solving Water Problems Project | ₹15,00,000 | 2 years from first installment receipt |
| Power/Solar Energy Project | ₹20,00,000 | 6 months from fund receipt |
| Internet Connection Project | ₹5,00,000 | 6 months from fund receipt |
Funds are released in installments, with project durations commencing upon receipt of the initial payment.
Eligibility Criteria for Institutes
Technical institutes in North East India must meet specific conditions to apply for the AICTE GAINER grant. Only eligible institutions will be considered for funding:
- Must be a Government or Government-aided technical/engineering college or University Department. This includes Polytechnic Institutes located in the North East region.
- The applying institute must have been operational for at least five years.
Application Process
Institutes interested in the GAINER scheme must follow a direct application procedure. All required documents and forms must be submitted accurately:
- Download and complete the official application form for AICTE-Grant for Augmenting Infrastructure in North Eastern Region (GAINER).
- Ensure every page of the filled application form carries the signature and stamp of the Head of the Institute.
- Attach all essential supporting documents to the completed application form.
- Verify all submitted information for correctness.
- Send the application form and all essential documents via registered post or speed post to the following address:
Advisor, Institutional Development Cell,
All India Council for Technical Education,
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi-110070
Proposal Processing and Selection
After an institute submits its application, a structured process determines grant recipients. This ensures fair evaluation and fund allocation:
- Applications are submitted by eligible institutes.
- The Council conducts an initial screening and scrutiny of all received applications.
- An expert committee evaluates the applications based on predefined criteria.
- AICTE Council makes final decisions, considering expert recommendations and available funds.
- Sanction letters are issued, and the first installment of funds is disbursed to selected institutions.