In order to enrich the academic resources of the university system for a deeper reflection on critical issues, University Grants Commission in association with Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to establish ten (10) Chairs in different universities in the name of Eminent Women Academicians / Administrators / Artists / Scientists / Environmentalists / Social Reformers etc. for their outstanding contributions:

While all the scholarship/fellowship schemes of UGC are open to Girl/Women students and research scholars, there are three specific schemes for Girl students/research scholars. The following schemes are being implementing by UGC under DBT mode:

Swami Vivekananda Fellowship for Single Child for Research in Social Sciences

The scheme of ‘Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences’ which was started in 2014-15 to encourage women to pursue Ph.D. in Social Sciences including Humanities and Languages. Since the number of slots has not been limited/fixed, all the applicants, who are found eligible, are given fellowship to pursue research leading to award to Ph.D. For the selection year 2018-19, UGC has awarded the fellowship to 269 women. Also, to cover more women scholars, UGC has decided to extend the ambit of this scheme for all the streams beginning 2019-20.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates

Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates is provided to the unemployed candidates holding Ph.D degree in their respective subject areas with an aim to accelerate the talented instincts of the candidates to carry out the advanced studies and research. During 2017-18, 89 women candidates were selected under this schemes and the grant released is Rs 43.66 crore, Rs 32.72 crore and Rs. 20.60 crore during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively

P.G. Indira Gandhi Scholarship for single Girl Child

This scheme is in inception since 2006-07 and envisages to provide financial assistance to selected candidates being Single Girl Child for pursuing Post-graduation on full time/regular basis in Higher Educational Institutions in India. Since this is also an incentive scheme, there is no cap on the number of selections. Therefore, all the eligible applicants receive scholarship under this scheme. During 2018-19, UGC has selected 2445 girls under the scheme

The UGC programme for promotion of women’s studies envisages financial assistance to universities and colleges for setting up centres and cells for Women’s Studies. At present, 159 (84 Universities & 75 Colleges) Women’s Studies Centres have been established in various Universities and Colleges. The Centres/Cells are required to undertake research, develop, curricula and organize training and extension work in the areas of gender equity, economic self-reliance of women, girls’ education, population issues, issues of human rights, social exploitation etc.