Study conducted to be used as resource material for UGC’s project on capacity building of women in higher education

The first ever study conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to know the position of women as regards managerial posts reveals that out of 431 recognised universities in India, only 13 universities have women vice-chancellors. Of these, six are women universities. In the Northern region, none of the universities including Punjab, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal University has ever had a woman vice-chancellor.

The UGC got the study conducted with an aim to include it as a resource material for its project on capacity building of women in higher education — a project started in 2003. The programme, that is aimed to motivate women to aim at managerial positions, has been granted Rs 5-crore budget in the 11th five-year plan. The study conducted by Prof Pam Rajput Member of UGC national consultative committee on capacity building of women in higher education was released in 2002.

“In 2002, nearly 100 universities were studied, however, a current update in the study shows that India has only 13 women vice-chancellors,” said Prof Rajput.

Under this project, a five-day workshop on capacity building of women will begin in Panjab University from December 1. Prof Pam Rajput, who is also the nominated Senate member at PU, states that she will raise a proposal for 33 per cent reservation of women in the Senate.

“I had done the same in year 2000 but the university never took it seriously. I will ensure that the same gets implemented.” The Senate meeting is scheduled for December 6.

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