Institutions in Tamil Nadu have been able to complete all projects funded under the first phase of Union Education Ministry’s Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Education, said here on Saturday.

After attending the 101st College Day celebrations of Loyola College, Mr. Pame said Tamil Nadu had completed all projects under RUSA-I, although a few projects under RUSA-II were still in progress. “We have been communicating with State officials who informed us that they are implementing the projects expeditiously,” Mr. Pame maintained.

Earlier in the day, he visited Anna University and reviewed projects undertaken under RUSA at the Mechanical Engineering Department. “I was pretty impressed to see some engines and other [equipment] that have been installed which cost over a crore. The students are making full use of the facilities. We are only asking them to expedite the [pending] work so that students can benefit to the maximum,” he said.

At the College Day celebrations, Mr. Pame shared his experience with the students where he mobilised people’s help in building a road – the People’s Road – that connected various interior parts of Manipur, his home State, during his tenure there. He urged the students to channelise their anger and frustration and take up the challenge to help improve the living conditions of the people around.

A. Louis Arockiaraj, Principal, Loyola College, M. Gautaman, Vice-Principal, and L. Joseph Arockiasamy, Deputy Principal, spoke. A total of 173 meritorious students from various departments were honoured.

Published – March 08, 2026 01:52 am IST