The “AICTE – Grant For Augmenting Infrastructure In North Eastern Region (GAINER)” scheme is a financial assistance program aimed at enhancing infrastructure facilities in technical institutes of the North East Region (NER). The scheme is implemented through IIT Guwahati and focuses on:
- Solving water problems in campuses
- Providing alternative power sources (solar energy/generators)
- Setting up high-speed internet connectivity
Objective
- To enhance functional efficiency of technical institutions in North Eastern India.
- To resolve deficiencies in water, electricity, and internet connectivity on campuses.
- To ensure sustainable infrastructure development in hilly and remote regions.
Benefits
Funding Limits & Project Durations
| Project Name | Funding Limit | Project Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Solving Water Problems Project | ₹15,00,000 | 2 years |
| Power/ Solar Energy Project | ₹20,00,000 | 6 months |
| Internet Connection Project | ₹5,00,000 | 6 months |
Disbursement of Funds:
80% of the grant is released as an advance.
20% is reimbursed after successful completion and submission of necessary reports.
If the project is not initiated within six months, the institute must refund the complete grant with interest.
Eligibility Criteria
Government/Government-aided technical/engineering colleges and university departments, including polytechnic institutes located in North Eastern India.
The institution must have been in existence for at least 5 years.
Application Process
Offline Application
-
Download and fill out the application form for the AICTE-Grant for Augmenting Infrastructure in North Eastern Region (GAINER).
-
Ensure that each page of the application form is signed and stamped by the Head of the Institute.
-
Attach all the required documents along with the completed application form.
-
Submit the application via registered/speed post to:
Advisor, Institutional Development Cell
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE),
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070
Processing of Applications
Screening of applications at AICTE.
Evaluation by an expert committee.
Final approval by the AICTE Council.
Sanction letter issued along with first installment of funds.
Documents Required
For Solving Water Problems:
Detailed project plan & estimates
PWD/CPWD rate certificate
Approval certificate from Principal/Competent Authority
Commitment certificate for additional expenses by State Govt./Institute
For Power/Solar Energy Projects:
Procurement & cost documents
Purchase procedure as per GFR (General Financial Rules)
Commitment certificate for additional costs
For Internet Connection Projects:
Proof of availability & procurement costs
Approval from the institute’s Competent Authority
Terms and Conditions
Annual progress reports must be submitted.
Final project completion report required.
Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts must be audited by Finance Officer/Account Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are water harvesting projects supported under the scheme?
A: Many institutes in North Eastern India face water shortages, especially in dry seasons. This scheme provides funds for rainwater harvesting and water supply infrastructure.
Q: Who is the implementing agency for this scheme?
A: The scheme is implemented through IIT Guwahati under AICTE.
Q: Why is solar power generation encouraged under this scheme?
A: Frequent power cuts affect education in the North East Region. The scheme funds solar energy systems and generators for uninterrupted power supply.
Q: What is the maximum grant amount available?
A: Institutes can receive up to:
₹15 lakh for solving water problems
₹20 lakh for power/solar energy projects
₹5 lakh for internet connectivity
Q: How will the funds be disbursed?
A:
80% of the sanctioned amount is given upfront.
20% is released after successful completion of the project.
Q: What happens if an institution fails to initiate the project within six months?
A: The institute must return the full grant with accrued interest to AICTE.
Q: Who should audit the Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts?
A: The Finance Officer/Account Officer of the institution must audit and verify all financial reports.
Q: What documents are required for procurement of solar power equipment, generators, and internet connections?
A:
Purchase invoices & procurement reports
Approval from the Competent Authority of the institute
Detailed project report with cost breakdown