Question : Peeth

(a) whether the Government proposes to establish a Peeth in the Universities across the
country in the name of renowned women;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the aims and objectives thereto, university-wise;
(c) the criteria fixed by the Government for this purpose;
(d) the amount of fund sanctioned and released for the said purpose;
(e) the names of distinguished women in whose names the Peeth is likely to be
established in the different Universities; and
(f) whether the Government proposes to establish more such Peeths in the Universities
and other institutes in the country to empower the women and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that with the
assistance of UGC, Ministry of Women and Child Development is setting up 10 Chairs in
different fields with an aim to carry out research activities to encourage women. The
initiative is called ‘Establishment of Chairs in the University in the Name of Eminent
Women Administrators/ Artists/ Scientists/ Social reformers’. The main objective of
establishing the Chairs in the name of eminent women from India, is to inspire women to
pursue higher education and to achieve excellence in their various areas of work. This
initiative of highlighting and celebrating women achievers of the country will motivate the
young girls and women towards pursuing higher studies.
(c): The criteria fixed by the Government for selection of Chair Professor is as under:
<pre>
Qualification An Academic/Scholar of outstanding track in their
respective subjects of specialization
Age 55-70 years
Scale of Pay Professors Scale of Pay : Pay level 14,
Rs. 1,44,200-Rs. 2,18,200-
Period of
Appointment
5 years (can be extended for another five years
subject to maximum of 10 years, not exceeding 70
years of age)
Duration of
the Chair
Maximum of 10 years or until the incumbent attains
the age of 70 years whichever is earlier
Mode of
Nomination
Through Nomination and/or invitation on the
recommendation of a 3 member Committee
consisting of two eminent persons to be constituted
by the Vice-Chancellor of the University and one
nominated by UGC
(d): The financial implication of establishing the Chairs is Rs. 50.00 lakhs per Chair per
annum.
(e) & (f): Details of the names of distinguished women in whose names the Peeth is likely
to be established are as under:
S.No. Proposed name of chair Subject
1. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Administration
2. Mahadevi Varma Literature
3. Rani Gaidinliu Freedom Fighter (North East)
4. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi Medicine & Health
5. M.S. Subbulakshmi Performing Art
6. Amrita Devi (Beniwal) Forest/Wildlife Conservation
7. Lilavati Mathematics
8. Kamala Sohonie Science
9. Lalleshwari (Lal Ded) Poetry & Mysticism
10. Hansa Mehta Educational Reforms
</pre>
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