(rptng, adding matter in para 5 )

New Delhi, June 1 (UNI) The Union Government will set up at least one Central University in every state and assist the states to open at least one degree college in every district, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced today.

Chairing a meeting to review the state of higher education in the country, Dr Singh directed the University Grants Commission and the Planning Commission to jointly prepare a strategy for the purpose.

He said each Central University should become a symbol of excellence, a model of efficiency and an example in terms of academic standards and university governance for other State Universities to emulate.

The meeting also considered steps to address the challenge of increasing enrolment while improving access to and quality of higher education in the country, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

At present, there are 20 Central Universities in the country, while 16 States do not have such an university and 350 districts, where enrollment is below national average, will be brought to national average.

Dr Singh also reiterated his commitment to offer more scholarships to increase the gross enrollment rate at the college level.

UNI