Aizawl, August 30 (NNN): Rs 2600 lakh has been approved under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme for the construction of Mizoram Engineering College at Pukpui, Lunglei in south Mizoram and the first installment of Rs 1300 lakh has been released, State Higher Education Council Secretary K.L Pradhan said during the fourth meeting of the Mizoram State Higher Education Council (SHEC) today. The meeting held at Aijal Club reviewed the progress of works and activities under RUSA in the state. Member Secretary Prof. K.L Pradhan in his report said that 21 colleges approved for infrastructure grant have so far received first installment (both central and state share) of Rs 12.50 lakh and second installment of Rs 93.75 lakh each. Up-gradation and development of infrastructural and instructional facilities are taking place with the utilization of RUSA fund. As approved by RUSA Project Approved Board, the 21 colleges are entitled to receive infrastructure grant of Rs 200 lakh each during 12th Plan period. Two colleges approved for up-gradation to Model Degree College, namely Govt. Hrangbana College and Govt. Zirtiri Residential Science College have received first installment amounting to Rs 50 lakh each. As per RUSA financial norms, the two colleges are entitled for funding at the tune of Rs 400 lakh each during the 12th Plan. Under RUSA Equity initiative, the first installment of Rs 10.41 lakh each has been released to 24 government colleges. With this fund, language lab is being created in all colleges. Spoken English and Hindi, Gender & Person with Disability (PwD) Sensitization campaign, Personality Development Progarmme, Remedial Class, etc would also be conducted under this project component.