A-GAINER

The scheme "AICTE - Grant for Augmenting Infrastructure in North Eastern Region (GAINER)" was introduced by AICTE to enhance the functional efficiency of the technical institutes located in far-flung areas of North East India, by addressing deficiencies in water, electricity, and internet.

Introduction

a. The scheme (operated hitherto as Special Scheme for NER) provides financial assistance to institutions located in the North East Region for solving water problems in the campus, providing alternative power support and high-speed internet connectivity. This will significantly address the infrastructural problems confronted by students on day to day basis. The Scheme is being implemented through the Indian Institute of Technology– Guwahati.

b. North East India largely has hilly regions where the supply of water is not regular throughout the year and during the dry season, there is no secured water supply in the institutes. Water harvesting projects are supported under the Scheme for assured water even during the dry season.

c. Most of the urban and rural areas in North Eastern India are deprived of continuous electricity supply, which not only affects daily life but also imparting of higher technical education. The scheme makes the provision of installations for captive solar power energy; at places where the solar energy is not effective, procurement of generators can be considered. Such support will make the technical institutes function better by meeting the shortage of conventional electricity supply:

d. The availability/ connection of the internet facility is also not up to the desired level in North Eastern Region. To mitigate this problem, funding

for setting up an initial internet connection is considered under the Scheme. Recurring expenditures for the future shall have to be borne by the institution.

Objective

To enhance the functional efficiency of the technical institutes located in far-flung areas of North East India, by addressing deficiencies in water, electricity, and internet connectivity on the campuses.

• a. Government/ Government-aided technical/ engineering colleges/University Departments including Polytechnic Institutes of North East are entitled to the grant.
• b. The institute must be in existence for the last five years.

The selected institutes will have to complete the sanctioned project as per the following guidelines:

Project Name: Solving Water Problems Project

Limit of Funding: ₹ 15,00,000

Duration of Project: 2 years from the date of receipt of the first installment.

Project Name: Power/ Solar Energy Project

Limit of Funding: ₹ 20,00,000

Duration of Project: 6 months from the date of receipt of the fund for the purpose.

Project Name: Internet Connection Project

Limit of Funding: ₹ 5,00,000

Duration of Project: 6 months from the date of receipt of the fund for the purpose.

Disbursement of the Funds

The first installment is an advance of 80% of the sanctioned grant.

The second installment is reimbursement on successful completion of the project and submission of requisite documents by the institute.

Note: If the project is not initiated within six months, the institute shall have to refund the complete grant with accrued interest to AICTE with justification.