Considering the experience gained from implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme for development of Ayush institutions in the past and inputs given by the independent evaluation, Union ministry of health has decided to modify the scheme under the 11th Plan.


The scheme of development of Ayush institutions has been under implementation since the 10th Plan.


The modifications will be in the form of financial assistance giving grants-in-aid which shall be admissible for infrastructural development of Ayush for under graduate (UG) upto Rs.2 crore and for post graduate (PG) institutions upto Rs.3 crore for the plan period to be released in two instalments.


The scheme also includes assistance for add-on PG, pharmacy, and para medical courses in existing Ayush institutions with funds upto Rs.3 crore for the a pan period to be released in two instalments. It also mentions about the development of model Ayush institutions and centre of advanced studies with investment of upto Rs.5 crore.


The pattern of assistance under the scheme would be for infrastructural development of Ayush for under graduate (UG) and post graduate (PG) institutions by providing 70 per cent grant for the construction of OPD, IPD, teaching, departments, library, laboratories and for girls’ and boys’ Hostel, etc. Whereas 30 percent of the grant will be for getting equipments, furnitures, library books, payment of stipend for PG institution etc.


According to sources, this scheme is designed mainly for development of a centre for advanced studies, training, research in particular specialties depending upon the detailed project report to be appraised by a committee comprising of the principal of the institution, a nominee of the Department and a nominee of the state directorate of ISM&H.


An interesting modification that has been included in this scheme is the one time assistance on 50:50 matching share basis for opening of new Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy institutions and Ayush Universities in States not having such institutions. For this, the centre has proposed to allot funds upto Rs.10 crore. It states, “Where the states contribution includes land or existing building, a certificate from the competent authority on valuation on land and building to be submitted along with the application.”


Most importantly this scheme will be completely a project based proposal to be appraised by a Committee comprising of state secretary or state director of ISM&H, concerned advisers from department and a renowned academician to be nominated by the Department. The revised expenditure under the above components could be borne by the States after the plan period.