In a significant move towards women empowerment, the University Grants Commission (UGC) along with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) recently launched an initiative. This fresh endeavour was announced on the National Girls Child Day, falling on the 24th of January. Titled ‘Establishment of Chairs in the Universities in the name of eminent women administrators, artists, scientists, and social reformers’, the programme is set to establish 10 chairs across various universities. The underlying aim is to amplify the importance of women in higher education and motivate them to excel in their respective domains.
Objectives of the Programme
A key point of this initiative involves fostering recognition for the invaluable contributions made by women and promoting female role models particularly in public policy formulation. This establishment of chairs addresses a critical need in recognising the efforts of women.
Implementation Timeline
In its initial phase, these dedicated chairs will be established for a time span of five years.
Funding Details
The financial backing for each chair will be provided by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, calculated at ₹50 lakh per year.
Eligibility Criteria
All the universities qualified to receive grant-in-aid from the UGC are eligible to apply for the establishment of these Chairs. Scholars or academicians aged between 55 and 70 years, showcasing specialisation in their fields, are considered eligible for the Chair. Once selected, these academicians will be appointed for a period of five years, extendable to another five years.
Key Functions of the Chairs
The scope of functions for these academic positions includes conducting research, advancing knowledge in the study area, aiding in public policymaking, designing capacity-building programmes for teachers, and providing a platform for Post Graduate and Research level dialogues, discussions, seminars, and meetings.
Monitoring and Assessment
The respective university will review the progress of the Chair annually. Following the five-year term, a final report on the activities and outcomes of the Chair will be submitted to the UGC. The UGC reserves the right to review the Chair at any stage for its continuance.
Facts about the Proposed Chairs
| Sr.No | Subject | Proposed Name of the Chair | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administration | Devi Ahilyabai Holkar | A proficient ruler and erudite politician of Malwa, also known as Malwa queen |
| 2 | Literature | Mahadevi Varma | A freedom fighter, Hindi poet, academician |
| 3 | Freedom Fighter (North East) | Rani Gaidinliu | Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British rule in India |
| 4 | Medicine & Health | Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi | India’s first woman physician |
Potential Impact of the Initiative
This initiative promises a significant impact on women’s empowerment in higher education. It is a step forward towards acknowledging and appreciating the exemplary contributions of influential women figures across diverse fields.