Question : Doctoral Degrees in AYUSH

(a) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all central universities
to start a doctorate degree programme under AYUSH disciplines;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Ministry of AYUSH has written to UGC in this regard, if so, the details
thereof;
(d) whether UGC has also asked all Central Universities to set up a system for
enrolment of candidates in the Ph.D. programme and to provide them an opportunity to
avail fellowship from the respective research councils; and
(e) if so, the details thereof along with the other steps taken by the Government for the
benefit of AYUSH students?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(Dr. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)
(a) to (e): Yes, Madam. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that the
Ministry of AYUSH in their letter dated 24th June, 2016 had urged the Commission to
issue necessary directions to the Universities to include AYUSH disciplines for
enrollment of candidates in the Ph.D. programs and to avail fellowships from the
respective AYUSH Research Councils. Acting upon the request of the Ministry of
AYUSH, UGC has requested the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities to explore
inclusion of AYUSH disciplines in their Universities and in the affiliated colleges for
enrollment of candidates in the Ph.D. programs. The details of the UGC’s request letter
dated 26th October, 2016 to the Universities are available at
http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/1475485_UGC-letter-AYUSH.pdf .
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