The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched Unnat Bharat Abhiyan with an aim to connect institutions of higher education with local communities to address the development challenges through appropriate technologies.

The MoE has advised all the HEIs which are funded by the Central/State Government and all institutions approved by the regulatory bodies, to adopt clusters of backward Gram Panchayats/villages in their vicinity and apply their knowledge and expertise to improve the infrastructure in Gram Panchayats (GPs). HEIs in districts are expected to carry out a detailed field study, participate in conceptualising and preparation of community-level development plans along with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj personnel by providing technical, managerial inputs and by suggesting innovative solutions to issues faced in the day-to-day lives of households therein, in the area of livelihood, energy security, environment and basic living amenities. Institutions have been advised to continue their engagement with chosen Panchayats and offer assistance the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj personnel.

Ministry of Education (MoE) is to oversee that selected Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) adopt (5) panchayats each in consultation with District Collectors and use their knowledge base to find solutions for issues of basic amenities and livelihood opportunities for rural communities and thereby help in bringing about a qualitative change in the living standards of people in rural communities.

Basic funding for setting up the structural network of UBA and orientation of UBA teams to enable effective participation i.e. establishing and running the UBA cells of CI, MIs and PIs is to be provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE). In addition, the requisite funding for the working of subject expert groups for preparation of resource materials, training workshops, etc. will also need to be provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE). The UBA cell in an Institute should identify a rural cluster (around 5 villages) for development work. The base-level funding from Ministry of Education (MoE) will be made available for setting up the necessary infrastructure/manpower for the UBA Cell of mentoring as well as participating institutions.