Question : COURSES ON ASTROLOGY AND BASTU KALA SHASTRA

(a) names of Universities, affiliated and constituent colleges imparting courses on Astrology and Bastu Kala Shastra;

(b) whether M.Phil, Ph.D. and D.Sc./D.Lit courses have been opened in any of the universities on Astrology and Bastu Kala Shastra;

(c) if so, the names of such universities and current status in this regard;

(d) the details of the procedure for selection of faculty members for these subjects; and

(e) the details of the incentives being given to such universities and colleges by the Government and U.G.C.?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA)

(a) to (c): According to the information furnished by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the data regarding the courses being offered by the universities, affiliated and constituent colleges is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. However, the UGC has selected 16 Universities in the year 2001-02 to offer courses on Vedic Astrology. A list of these universities is enclosed as Annexure.

(d): UGC has notified Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for appointment and Career Advancement of Lecturers, Readers and Professors in the Universities and Colleges.

(e): The UGC has released a grant of Rs.15.00 lakh each to 16 Universities during 2001-2002 for introduction of Vedic Astrology.

Annexure

List of Universities selected by UGC for Vedic Astrology from 2001-2002

1. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra

2. Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra

3. Himachal Pradesh University

4. Jammu University

5. Jiwaji University
6. Lucknow University

7 Madurai Kamraj University

8. Mysore University

9. Panjab University
10. Ranchi University
11. Rajasthan University
12. Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapith
13. Saurashtra University, Rajkot
14. Sh. Jagannath Sanskirt Vishwavidyalaya, Puri
15. Shanmugha Arts, Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
16. Vikram University