UGC have planned for the Development of Women Studies Centres

5210. MS. RAMYA HARIDAS

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)    whether the Indian universities under University Grants Commission have planned for the development of Women Studies Centres in Indian universities and colleges for promoting equality and empowerment of women;

(b)    if so, the details thereof;

(c)    whether the National Education Policy, 2020 mentions anything about the Centres for Women Studies which have significant contribution to empowering women in the country; and

(d)    if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

(DR. SUBHAS SARKAR)

(a) & (b): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that for promotion of equality and empowerment of women, it runs the scheme of “Development of Women’s Studies in Indian Universities and Colleges”. The UGC programme for promotion of women’s Studies envisages financial assistance to Universities and Colleges for setting up centres and cells for Women’s Studies. The Centres/Cells are required to undertake research, develop curricula and organize training and extension work in the areas of gender equity, economic self-reliance of women, girls’ education, population issues, issues  of human rights, social exploitation etc.

Presently, 159 (84 in Universities and 75 in Colleges) Women’s Studies Centres have been established under the scheme.

(c) & (d): Though the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 does not specifically mention about Centres for Women’s Studies, it recognizes the special and critical role that women play in society and in shaping social mores. The NEP, 2020 envisions that providing a quality education to girls is the best way to increase the education levels for the Socio- Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), not just in the present but also in future generations. The policy thus recommends that the policies and schemes designed  to include students from SEDGs should be especially targeted towards girls in these SEDGs.