In India, much of the Central Government expenditure on general higher…

Concept

In India, higher-education bodies have distinct mandates: one may fund and coordinate universities, while others regulate teacher education, technical education, or support school education.

To identify the channel for Central Government expenditure on general higher education, distinguish the university-funding role from these sector-specific regulatory and academic-support roles.

Application

The University Grants Commission coordinates university education, determines and maintains standards, and disburses grants to eligible universities and colleges. Therefore, among the bodies listed, Central Government expenditure on general higher education is routed mainly through the University Grants Commission.

Contrast

• The National Council for Teacher Education focuses on standards and planned development in teacher education.

• The All India Council for Technical Education focuses on coordinated development and standards in technical education.

• The University Grants Commission combines coordination of university education with the disbursement of grants to eligible higher-education institutions.

• NCERT supports school education through research, curriculum, training, and educational resources.

Cross-check

The question asks about general higher education, not the specialized domains of teacher education, technical education, or school education. The University Grants Commission is the body in the list whose statutory functions include grants for university education.

Result: University Grants Commission.