Question : Rajiv Gandhi Chair

(a) the number and the details of Central and State Universities in the country wherein Rajiv Gandhi Chairs in Contemporary Studies has been established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) since 2005;

(b) the purpose and terms of reference of University Grants Commission (UGC) while establishing Rajiv Gandhi Chairs;

(c) whether any decision been taken by the Ministry to extend the tenure of the said Chairs even after the end of twelfth Five Year Plan period and if so, the complete details thereof;

(d) whether the Ministry proposes to establish more such Chairs and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Ministry and UGC also propose of upgrading the existing Rajiv Gandhi Chairs of Contemporary Studies as they are doing very good work and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(Dr. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a) & (b): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that it has formulated scheme of Chairs in the name of Nobel Laureates and other illustrious persons who have been either Indian Citizen or are of an Indian origin with a view to enrich the academic resources of the University System concerned so as to ensure deeper reflection on critical contemporary issues. UGC has established Rajiv Gandhi Chairs in Contemporary Studies in three Central Universities viz. North Eastern Hills University, University of Allahabad, and University of Delhi and in seven State Universities viz. Panjab University, University of Mumbai, University of Calcutta, University of Madras, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Barkatullah University, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology.

(c): UGC has informed that it has resolved in its Commission meeting held on 28th March, 2017 to continue the existing schemes beyond the XII five year plan.

(d): No such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry for establishing more chairs in Universities in the country.

(e): UGC has intimated that there is no such proposal in UGC for upgrading the existing Rajiv Gandhi Chairs of Contemporary Studies.

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