HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Maintenance and determination of standards in higher education is a subject in the Union List and is a special responsibility of the Central Government. This responsibility is discharged mainly through the University Grants Commission which was established under an Act of Parliament. Seven Universities are, at present, functioning under Acts of Parliament. Besides, the Central Government have established agencies for promotion and coordination of research efforts in specialised fields. There are three such national agencies, at present, mainly, the Indian Council of Social Science Research, the Indian Council of Historical Research and the Indian Council of Philosophical Research. The Central Government have also been implementing a number of schemes in the field of higher education and research particularly relating to academic collaboration between India and other countries.
A. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
The enrolment in the Universities and Colleges increased from 27.5 lakhs to 29.52 lakhs in 1981-82. The percentage increase was 7.3 against 3.9 during 1980-81. Four universities viz., Madras, Calcutta, Rajasthan and Bombay, each had more than 1.00 lakh students in the University Departments and Colleges during the year. The number of students in the University Departments was 3.24 lakhs and the enrolment in colleges was 26.28 lakhs.
The student enrolment in the Faculty of Arts constituted 40.3 per cent of the total enrolment. In the Faculties of Science and Commerce the percentage was 19.6 and 21.3 respectively. Compared to 1980-81, the increase in enrolment in various faculties was only marginal except in Commerce where it showed a marked upward trend.
The enrolment at the first degree level was 25.89 lakhs (87.7%), at the post-graduate level 2.86 lakhs (9.7%), Research level 0.34 lakhs (1.2%) and at the Diploma and Certificate level 0.43 lakhs (1.4%). Compared to 1980-81, the major increase in enrolment was only at the first degree level.
The number of teachers in the university and colleges was 2 lakhs in 1.981-82 of which 0.42 lakhs were in the University Departments/University Colleges and the rest in the affiliated colleges. Of the 42,000 teachers in the Universities, 4,170 (9.9%) were Professors, 9,299 (22%) Readers and 26,648 (63.2%) Lecturers and the rest Demonstrators, Tutors. Of the teachers in the affiliated colleges, 15,600 (9.9%) were in senior grade, and 1.34 lakhs (85%) were in the Lecturer's grade.
During 1981-82, 4 new universities were established. These are Bharthiar and Bharathidasan Universities in Tamil Nadu State, Jammu and Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology in Jammu & Kashmir State, and an Open University in Andhra Pradesh. The number of affiliated colleges increased from 4722 in 1980-81 to 4886 in 1981-82. The-number of post-graduate colleges increased from 6-12 in 1980-81 to 804 in 1981-82.
The number of post-doctoral degrees awarded in the year increased from 5076-in 1979-80 to 6080 in 1980-81. 2792 of these degrees were in Science, 2246 in Arts and 466 in Agriculture faculties.
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The Central Government has decided that the quantum of reservation in admission to universities and colleges will be raised from the present 20% to 22.5% (15% for Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes Candidates). The University Grants Commission has conveyed this decision to the State Governments and the Central and other Universities for implementation.
The Commission has finalised a Special component plan for Scheduled Castes and a 'Sub-Plan for Scheduled Tribes which envisage an outlay of 4625.50 lakhs for Scheduled Castes and 2467.75 lakhs for Scheduled Tribes, under various programmes during the Sixth Plan period.
The Commission had decided to provide financial assistance to universities for creation of special cells for planning, evaluation and monitoring of programmes for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates on hundred per cent basis during the current Plan period. So far 53 universities have decided to set up such special cells.
The Universities have been requested to give special emphasis to courses which take into account the individual and social needs of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities while submitting proposals for restructuring courses.
The Commission continued to give priority to the development of higher education among women. The number of women students increased from 7.5 lakhs in 1980-81 to 8.17 lakhs in 1981-82. Women enrolment during the year was 27.7% of the total enrolment, as compared to 27.2% during the previous year. The percentage was highest at the post- graduate level viz. 28.6%. The percentage of women students to the total enrolment is the highest in Kerala (48.1) followed by Punjab (41.4) and Delhi (40.5).
The programmes mines implemented by the Commission broadly fall into 4 major categories :
(1) Special Programmes for Improvement of Quality.
(2) Support for Research.
(3) Development of Universities.
(4) Development of Colleges.
(a) Centres for Advanced Study and Departments
of Special Assistance The Commission had provided, assistance to 18 Centres of Advanced Study and 31 Departments of Special Assistance in Science including Engineering and Technology and 10 Centres of Advanced Study and 18 Departments of Special Assistance in Humanities and Social Sciences. Centres of Advanced Studies which have been assisted for a period of 15 years will now receive assistance for specific and well- formulated projects. Such assistance has been approved in the Linguistics Departments of Annamalai University and Sociology Department of Delhi University. The Commission had accepted in principle the recommendation of various panels and standing committees for assistance. under the scheme to 54 Science Departments and 15 Humanities and Social Science Departments in various Universities.
(b)Departmental Research Support Thirty one Science Departments are being assisted under this programme. Proposals from 6 University Departments of Humanities and Social Science are under consideration.
(c) College Science Improvement Programme
(COSIP), College Humanities and Social Science
Improvement Programme (COHSSIP); and University
Leadership Programme (ULP) 26
The Commission has assisted 184 colleges under COSIP and 168 colleges under COHSSIP. Forty University Departments are being assisted under ULP in Science and 14 Departments under ULP in Humanities,and Social Sciences.
(d) Merit Promotion Scheme During the year the Commission finalised the guidelines for introduction of Merit Promotion Schemes for university and college teachers. The Schemes envisage that teachers who have completed 8 years of service could be given the next higher grade, after assessment of their merit. The Scheme visualises such merit promotions to one-third of eligible teachers in the universities and colleges. The Commission has also agreed to assist the universities and colleges by meeting an expenditure up to Rs. 600 per annum per teacher during the Sixth Plan period for implementation of the Merit Promotion Scheme.
(e) Panels in Science and Humanities and
Social Sciences Nineteen Panels in Humanities and Social Sciences and 9 in Science including Engineering and Technology were set up by the Commission to advise it on various steps which may be taken for improvement of teaching and research in universities and colleges. The panels are expected to prepare status reports and identify major thrust areas in their respective, disciplines. During the year, status reports in English, Linguistics; Political Science, Law, Journalism and Communication have been prepared and printed.
(f) University Service Instrumentation
Centres Two new universities were brought under this programme during the year. The total number of such centres is now 57. Two Regional Instru- mentation Centres, one at Bangalore and another at Bombay, are also being assisted by the Commission for organising training programmes for the staff of the University Centres.
(g) Variable Energy Cyclotron and Nuclear
Science Centre (VEC) The Commission has assisted 13 Research projects recommended by the VEC users which are being taken up by utilising facilities at VEC, Cal- cutta. An expert Committee has been constituted for setting up Nuclear Science Centres in the Universities.
(h) Wild Life Studies The programme of Wild Life Study is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department of Environment, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, etc. The Commission has identified a few universities for undertaking teaching programmes in wild life,
(i) Environmental Studies Specific programmes are being formulated for the development of teaching, research and extension work in Environmental Science in universities and colleges. Five studentships for post-M.Sc. Diploma courses in Environmental Science have been instituted at Andhra University.
(j) Area Studies Under this programme the Commission continued assistance to existing 16 Centres on the basis of the recommendation of Assessment Committees. The Commission has formulated revised guidelines under which a Centre of Area-Study has to function on multi-disciplinary basis with a proper structure.
(k) Correspondence Courses The Commission has prepared new guidelines on correspondence courses to improve the functioning of these courses. Almost every State in the country has at present facilities for correspondence courses.
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(l) Restructuring of Courses The Commission reviewed the guidelines for restructuring of courses and circulated the same to the universities for implementation during Sixth Plan. 54 colleges have so far been assisted under this programme.
(m) Seminars, Symposia, Summer Institutes.
During 1982-83, 148 seminars, symposia, workshops, refresher courses and short-term institutes were approved in humanities and social sciences and 92 in science. In addition, the Commission provided assistance for hosting 166 International/All India/Regional/State level Conferences.
(n) Fellowship Programme Six teachers have been awarded National Fellowship this year bringing the total number of awardees at present under this scheme to 15.
(o) Bilateral Exchange Programme Under various exchange programmes 50 teachers from Indian Universities went abroad and 20 foreign scholars came to India. Commission also selected 85 teachers from Indian universities and colleges for Lecture-cum-study, exchange of views and developing contacts with various institutions abroad. Three joint Seminars were held on :
(i) Socio-economic determinants of agricultural productivity held in USSR in May, 1982 in which 5 Indian scholars participated;
(ii) Bronze Age Culture organised at Allahabad University in which 10 scholars from USSR participated; and
(iii) Australian literature at CIEFL, Hyderabad in which 4 Australian scholars participated.
Ten Fellowships and 15 scholarships in French languages and literature and civilisation, 12 fellowships under FRG Programme for advanced re- search work, 4 Fellowships for post-doctoral research work under Indo-Polish Cultural Exchange Programme, 6 fellowships for post-doctoral work under Indo-Hungarian Exchange Programme and 12 Fellowships for PostDoctoral Research work under. Indo-GDR Exchange Programme were availed of during the year.
Foreign language teachers were provided to universities in India in Russian, French, German, Romanian, Polish, Serbo-Croatian and Hungarian languages. The Commission identified 5 areas and institutions in India for Canadian study programmes.
Five Indian teachers have been nominated for visit to the USA under Indo-US exchange of scientists programme.
Under "Academic links inter-change scheme" proposed by British Council 18 areas have been identified in which collaboration could be developed with institutions in the UK.
(a) Major Research Projects During the year the Commission approved 286 Major Projects in Science and 25 such projects in Humanities and Social Science costing Rs. 227.77 lakhs.
(b) Minor Research Projects 798 minor projects in Science and 223 such projects in Humanities and Social Science were approved costing Rs. 53.50 lakhs.
(c) Scholarships and Fellowships The Commission continued to operate the Scheme of Fellowships, Research Associateships and, National Associateships including those Fellowships which have been instituted for physically handicapped persons and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Selections for the current year for these awards are likely to be made shortly.
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In pursuance of the Commission's decision to approve Scheme of urgent nature within 40% to 50% of the allocation made to a university on the basis of discussions with the, Vice-Chancellors, schemes of 82 universities were approved on the basis of such discussions and a total grant of Rs. 4142.15 lakhs was approved for implementing such schemes pending assessment by the Sixth Plan proposals by the Visiting Committees.
The Commission has also constituted Visiting Committees which have started their visits to the universities. It is expected that these visits will be completed by the end of the current financial year. In engineering and technology, the Commission has so far assisted 30 university departments, and has, also approved a total grant of about 2.4 crores for these departments. This is in addition to the basic grant for books and equipment amounting to 1.54 crores approved for 24 universities.
The guidelines for providing assistance to Arts, Science, Commerce and Multi-faculty colleges during the Sixth Plan period were circulated last year and proposals have started coming in from the colleges. The Commission has so far provided basic assistance for purchase of books and equipment to 1711 colleges and to 577 colleges for development of under-graduate education. In addition, 32 colleges in tribal areas have been sanctioned assistance for development, while basic assistance for books. equipment and faculty improvement has been provided to 20 single faculty colleges,
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
The Academic Session 1982-83 commenced on September 16, 1982. The disruption in the studies earlier during the year resulted in holding the examinations later than the scheduled time. However, all these examinations have since been completed and 1982-83 academic session is now in full swing.
The total number of students had come down in 1982-83 as a result of vigorous steps taken by the university to weed out persons who have unauthorisedly gained entry in various hostels. The university still faces a serious shortage of hostel accommodation. In December-1982, construction of a new hostel project costing Rs. 1.50 crores, sanctioned by the UGC to accommodate about 500 students, had started. Besides, construction of a building for 150 additional, beds for the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and accommodation for the Computer Centre and a Guest House has started.
During the year a Nursing School was started and the Chemical Engineering Department was added to the Engineering College. A course in Urdu Calligraphy founded by Taraqqi-i-Urdu Board was introduced. A post-M.Sc. Diploma Course in Computer Science and Application has been approved by, the UGC besides a Master's Degree Programme in Computer Science. An Archival Cell is being added to the Sir Syed Academy.
An important decision during the year was the introduction of 10+2+3 Scheme in the university. Establishment of a new Department of Museology was approved during the year. It was also decided to abolish the existing Department of Unani Tib and Surgery and open in its place three new Departments, namely, Department of Kulliyat (including Tashrih and Hifzane-Sahet), Department of Molijat (including Niswan wa Atfal), and Department of Jarahiyat.
In pursuance of the amendment to the Aligarh Muslim University Act, the Executive Council was reconstituted. The Court of the University has also been partially reconstituted, which met On December 20, after an interval of 17 years.
During the year the university held a series of meetings in the town and different localities for Promotion of national integration.
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A large number of teachers attended international Conferences abroad and presented their papers. "Professor Mohd. Shafi, Chairman, Department A large number of teachers attended International Conferences abroad of Geography was awarded a Gold Medal for his paper on "Contribution of Arabs to Scientific Knowledge" at a Conference held in Damascus. Prof. M. Arif Siddiqi, Chairman, Department of Medicine was elected the Fellow of Royal College of Physicians of London. Dr. S. K. Tyagi, Reader, Department of Pathology was awarded M.R.C. (Path.) by the Royal College of Pathologists, London. The Department of Zoology and the Women's College of the University celebrated their Platinum Jubilee.
During, the year, 127 research scholars were awarded Ph.D. degrees which is a record number. One D.Sc. was, also awarded. The Centre of Continuing and Adult Education organised and implemented Adult Education Programme at 60 Centres, half of which are exclusively for women in the backward localities. A massive programme of plantation was initiated during which 11,150 trees were planted.
During 1982-83, the total student enrolment in regular courses, was 87,933. Besides about 9500 students are enrolled in Correspondence Courses; 6,782 are enrolled as non-Collegiate Women and about 13,444 as private candidates. 1878 students are enrolled for Ph.D. courses and 764 or M.Phil. programmes.
During the year 1982, the total number of teaching staff was 635; 116 Professors, 281 Readers, 224 Lecturers and 14 Research Associates.
During the year, the University had decided to introduce a Diploma Course in Forensic Science of one-year duration. A Master of Computer Applications Course of three years has already started. The university has also decided to introduce D.M. Course in Gastroentrology, M.D. Course in Psychiatry and M.Ch. Course in Neurosurgery.
The College of Pharmacy has been permitted to start M. Pharm. Course in Hospital Pharmacy from the year 1982-83.
The Institute of Economic Growth which had been granted temporary recognition has now been granted further recognition with effect from 1982. The university has instituted new medals, fellowships and scholarships donated by individuals mid organisations.
The university had the honour to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) (honoris causa) on H.E. Mr. Yoshio Sakurauchi, Foreign Minister of Japan.
The university organised several lectures during the year by eminent scholars both from India and abroad. Several teachers of the university were honoured by professional organisations in their respective fields.
The university provided facilities for the IX Asian Games. Archery and Handball for Men were the events held on the university campus.
During 1982-83, student strength increased from 548 to 668. A special advertisement exclusively for admission of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes was issued at the beginning of the year. Twenty five candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/Tribes were admitted to various programmes. Physically handicapped students were also given special consideration and 4 such students were admitted. Special classes were arranged for students of weaker sections wherever found necessary. 1468 students completed their M.A., M.Sc. courses and 38 students completed M. Phil. courses. The university awarded 3 Ph.D. degree in Science during the year.
The teaching strength of the university was 94 with 18 Professors, 32 Readers and 44 Lecturers. The University continued to encourage its teachers to undertake collaborative research work with scholars and scientists from other institutions and universities. Dr. E. D. Jemmis of the University was honoured with the prestigious young Scientist award, for 1981 by the Indian National Science Academy.
The Physics School organised a Winter School on "Stochastics Processes Formalism and Application". A three day workshop sponsored by the University Grants-Commission was organised jointly with the Osmania University at the School of Chemistry in November, 1982.
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The University continued to give financial assistance, merit scholarships. merit-cum-means scholarships and freeships to students of M.A., M.Sc. in addition to 50 M.Phil. Fellowships. Of the 121. candidates registered for Ph.D., 88 were getting Fellowships from institutions like the UGC, CSIR, and ICMR etc.
The second block of the teachers hostel consisting of 8 units has been completed and occupied. The Lecture Hall Complex in the Campus consisting of an auditorium, two large halls and six big rooms has been completed. The guest house at the campus has also been commissioned. A 53- seater women's hostel was completed, and occupied.
During the year the total student enrolment in the university was 3260. The total number of students registered for M.Phil. and Ph.D. was 1250. The total number of teachers in the university was 316 of whom 65 were Professors, 107 Associate Professors and 144 Assistant Professors. Nine eminent scholars from India and abroad were offered visiting assignment for periods ranging from one to six months on the faculty of various schools of studies.
About 100 research projects sponsored by various national and international agencies are in various stages of implementation while work on 35 projects was completed.
Fifty Faculty members were sanctioned various kinds of leave to enable them to accept invitation, fellowship, visiting assignment in institutions in India and abroad.
The university has hosted the prestigious "Tanner Lectures" for the year 1982-83 established for the advancement of scholarship and understanding in the field of human values. Accepting the invitation, Nobel Laureate Prof. Ilya Prigogine delivered these lectures from December 18-24, 1982.
Two Ph.D. scholars of the School of Life Science have been selected to present research papers at the VII International Course of Radiation Research at Amsterdam. 1222 students of the university successfully completed their courses in the university during the year. Of these 50 received Ph.D. degree, 171 M.Phil. degree. 579 cadets of National Defence Academy, Khadak-wasla and 107 cadets registered at the Army Cadet College, Dehradun received various degree and diploma in the university.
More than 50% of the full-time students/scholars received financial assistance from the university/outside sources in the form, of Fellowship or Freeship.
Nearly 10,032 volumes were added to library stock, the total collection being 2,72,308.
About 30 Sports and Cultural clubs functioning in the university provide opportunities for a number of students for participation in activities according to their talents and aptitude.
During the year, construction of 40 Type I and 20 Type II quarters and two residences for Kendriya Vidyalaya were completed.
During 1982-83, there were about 16000 students enrolled in various courses offered by the University. The Faculty strength was about 1400.
For some time past, the academic session of the University has been behind schedule except in the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Indian Medicine and the Performing Arts. The University has been making efforts to regularise the academic session and to hold examinations. For this purpose a parallel academic session was introduced in several Faculties. As a result the Faculty of Education has now been running as per normal schedule.
The University introduced a one-year link course for B.A. (Pass) and B.Com. (Pass) students, to bring them at par with students of the Honours Course for purpose of admission to post-graduate courses. Courses leading to M.Tech. in Systems Engineering and M.Tech. in Indus-
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trial Management have been introduced in the Institute of Technology. The Faculty of Languages has been re-organised into separate departments for Germanic Studies, French Studies, Telugu, Marathi and Linguistics besides the Department of Foreign Languages and the Indian Languages. The composite Department of Sanskrit and Pali has been bifurcated into two Departments, namely Department of Sanskrit and the Department of Pali and Buddhist studies.
The University organised 24 seminars/conferences in various departments during 1982-83. The Mahila Mahavidyalaya of the University celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The 34th Indian Pharmaceutical Conference was held during the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Department of Pharmaceutics. Professor T. R. Anantharaman, present Director of the Institute of Technology was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Medal for his outstanding contribution in the field of Physical Metallurgy. The Department of Paediatrics of the Institute of Medical Science was awarded a Gold Medal by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics in December, 1982.
The National Service Scheme did valuable work for the expansion of adult education among the villagers of Tikri and Chrai Gaon. Students of the University participated in various inter-University sports tournaments. The Bharat Kala Bhavan of the University organised a special exhibition on `Ramayana in Paintings'. A special folder entitled "Games in Indian Miniatures" based on collections of the Kala Bhavan was brought out on the occasion of IX Asiad.
The University was established in 1973 for the intellectual, academic and cultural advancement of the people of the hill areas of the North Eastern Region. The jurisdiction of the university extends to the States of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Union Territory of Mizoram. Besides the headquarters at Shillong, the university has established two campuses in Nagaland and Mizoram. At the headquarters there are 16 post-graduate departments, while the Nagaland and Mizoram campuses have 3 postgraduate departments each.
During the year, there were 1079 students including 174 research scholars. Besides, the university has 38 affiliated colleges and 2 constituent colleges. The College of Agriculture at Mediziphema is one of the constituent colleges situated in Nagaland and the Pachhunga College is the other situated in Mizoram which offers courses in Arts and Science.
The university has switched over to the 10+2+3 pattern beginning with the academic year 1982-83. New programmes of Certificate and Diploma Courses are being formulated to improve the knowledge of students who have had no opportunities, for higher education. In order to strengthen under-graduate and post-graduate teaching, special courses and workshops are being organised. Non-traditional courses like Electronics, Horticulture and Fishery have been introduced in some under-graduate courses.
At its 4th convocation held in May, 1982, the university awarded 17 Ph.D., 12 M.Phil., 46 M.A. M.Sc. and M.Ed., and 233 Bachelor's degrees, During the year the university appointed 5 Professors, 8 Readers and 10 Lecturers for three campuses. One Pro-Vice Chancellor each was also appointed for the campuses in Nagaland and Mizoram.
The university has launched a crash construction programme at the permanent, site at Shillong and also at the Pachhunga campus of the university near Aizawl in order to provide the physical facilities or speedier development of the university.
The Samsad (Court) of the Visva Bharati elected Shrimati Indira Gandhi as the Acharya (Chancellor) of the Visva Bharati for a period of three years.
The total student strength in the university during the year under report was 3189. The total strength of the teachers was 424 of whom 25 were Professors and 7 Readers.
A series of lectures in the seminars organised by the Departments of Chemistry, Biology and Botany was delivered by Dr. Tibee Farkas of the
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institute of Bio-Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Science who visited Visva Bharati as a Visiting Scientist in January, 1982. An illustrated lecture on "Brancusi and India" was delivered by Prof. Florance M. Hetzeler of Fordham University of the USA. Mr. Herbert Fisher, an associate of Mahatama Gandhi, gave, a talk on Mahatama Gandhi at Cheema, Bhavan.
Teachers attached to different faculties of the university attended a number of conferences and meetings in India and abroad.
The rural library service of the university rendered library service in collaboration with Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation and State Social Education Directorate. The Granthana Vibhaga of the university participated in various book exhibitions. Several seminars were organised during the year as part of the celebration to commemorate the sixtieth vow of the university's establishment.
Indian Institute of Advanced study, Simla
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Simla was established in 1965 as an autonomous residential institution to provide facilities for senior scholars to pursue advanced research in Humanities, Social Science and allied fields.
Following the decision of the Government that the Institute should continue to function in a restructured form, an Expert Committee was appointed in September, 1980 to recommend details for reorganisation and restructuring of the Institute. The committee, submitted its report in April, 1981.
The reorganisation scheme formulated on the basis of the recommendation of the Expert Committee has been accepted and is in the process of implementation. During the year 1982, the Institute had on its strength only two Fellows. Work on the national archaeological project "Archaeology of the, Ramayana Sites" was continued at the Institute of Sringaverapura near Allahabad in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Government have been providing financial support to certain voluntary organisations which are offering programmes of higher education outside the university system. Institutions which are offering programmes different from the normal and established pattern of education, and are engaged in innovative experiments are assisted under the scheme. At present, four institutions namely Sri Aurobindo International Centre for Education, Pondicherry; Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapith, Pune; Lok Bharati, Sanosara and Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, Dehradun are receiving assistance under this scheme.
The Indian Council of Social Science Research was established in 1969 to promote and coordinate social science research in the country. The programmes and activities initiated by the Council were continued during the year under report.
Forty two new Research projects were approved till September, 1982. During the same period the Council received completed reports in respect of 38 projects sanctioned earlier. Till September 1982 the Council had sanctioned 78 fresh awards under Fellowship Schemes and 50 contingency grants. Completed reports were received in respect of 29 awards made earlier. The Council continued its support to two sponsored research programmes viz : "Research on Entrepreneurship" and "Research on North East India". The Council also rendered financial assistance for holding 28 Seminars/Workshops/Conferences and assisted 9 professional journals.
During the year, the Council continued to assist 17 research institutes in the field of Social Sciences. In addition, the Council continued its support to 6 Regional Centres.
7708 Social Scientists from all over the country utilised library facilities under the documentation programmes of the Council. 1358 publications including 190 Ph.D. theses and 111 research reports were acquired. Under Retrospective Indexing Project, 5 journals were completely indexed while indexing of 26 journals is in progress. Under Area Study Bibliography Project, material in regional languages has been collected on 6 Indian States/Union Territories and one Union Territory in English Language.
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Bibliographies of Social Science research material in four Indian languages are in progress. 200 scholars were sanctioned study grant to use research material available in Social Science Documentation Centre and in libraries of the Research Institutes. Ten organisations were sanctioned financial assistance for bibliographical and other research projects.
During the period, six data sets in machine readable form were acquired. Fifteen research scholars and 3 research institutes got their data prepared and processed by the Data Archives branch.
Seven new publications have been brought out by the Council. The Council sanctioned grants for the publication of two sets, in addition, 7 doctoral theses were published. Till October 1982, 8 issues of ICSSR journals in different disciplines have been published and 9 more volumes are expected to be brought out before March, 1983.
The Council continued its programme of co- operation and collaboration with Social Science Research Institutes outside India. Under the Indo- French Cultural Exchange Programme, 6 French scholars visited India and 2 scholars from India visited Prance. In addition, 3 Indian scholars who were nominated for post-doctoral Fellowship continued their research in France. Twenty two Indian scholars visited various countries for data collection. The council hosted the UNESCO meeting on Women studies and social science which was held at New Delhi from October 4-8, 1982. This was attended by the representatives from India and abroad. Under Indo-Dutch Collaboration programme two more projects (one Indian and one Dutch) were approved. A seminar on New International Economic Order was held in New Delhi. from December 16-20, 1982 which was attended by Dutch and Indian scholars. A meeting of %the two Co-Chairmen of the Indo-Soviet Joint Commission for Co-operation in Social Science was held in September, 1982 at Moscow. A 10-member delegation led by Shri G. Parthasarathi, Chairman, ICSSR visited China from October 17-30, 1982.
The Indian Council of Philosophical Research was set up in March, 1977. The Council was however, activised only in July, 1981 and reconsti- tuted with Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyaya as its Chairman. A campus of the Council is being located at Lucknow, for which facilities have been provided by the- Government of Uttar Pradesh. The activities at this campus will include the establishment of a library, a permanent exhibition on philosophical themes, and holding of seminars. The Council has so far awarded 12 Fellowships of various categories and have organised five seminars. Financial assistance was provided to individual scholars and organisations for holding seminars. During 1982-83, such grants have been given to 3 organisations and 8 individual scholars. The Council has also given travel grant to philosophers for going abroad for research. With a view to identifying talent within the age group of 20-25 an Essay Competition on the theme "Philosophy, Science and Values" was held during the year.
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, New Delhi
Nine Fellows/language trainees came to India during 1982-83 to conduct research in Humanities or to study Indian languages under the Fellowship Programme of the Institute. The Institute also arranged a summer programme for Canadian scholars in India in which 15 scholars participated. Travel grants were awarded to four Canadian scholars to participate in the Canadian literature workshop held in Karnataka University in 1982.
Forty nine Russian teachers were assigned to various Indian Universities, Institutions for teaching Russian languages and literature.
Six scholars came for study/internship in the field of medicine, law, engineering, textiles, architecture, agriculture and health.
The Institute was established in 1962 to encourage research in India in Humanities and Social Sciences by pre-doctoral/doctoral/post- doctoraI scholars from America. The Institute awarded Fellowships (Faculty/ Junior/ad-hoc short- term and languages) to 101 scholars during the academic year 1982-83 for undertaking research in India.
Thirty two American Scholars/students came to India during 1982-83 for doctoral and post-doctoral research under the Foundation's programmes
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and also for assignment as Visiting Professors in Indian Universities. Similarly, 44 Indian scholars were awarded Lecturer/Research/Student Fellowships to U.S.A. 45 Indian scholars were awarded short term grants under East West Centre programme.
Eight short-term groups consisting of 118 academics including professors, teachers, educational administrators from the USA came to India for 2-3 months to acquaint themselves with the latest developments in the field of educational life and culture in India. These group programme, are organised in collaboration with the Indian Universities.
The American Studies Research Centre, Hyderabad extends facilities to Indian Scholars and students in American Studies. The Centre has been permitted to allow scholars from neighbouring Asian countries also to avail themselves of these facilities at the Centre.
Research projects of 47 foreign scholars from the USA, UK, France, Japan, the MG, the GDR, Netherland, Srilanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Australia, who applied for undertaking research in India on their own or on grants from their universities, etc. were approved.
Revision of scales of pay of University and College Teachers
The Government have recently agreed to upgrade the scales of pay of the Librarians and Directors of Physical Education in universities and colleges with effect from April 1, 1980 so as to bring them at par with the teachers. Financial assistance to the extent of 80% of the additional expenditure involved will be available to the State Governments for implementation of the upgraded scales from April 1, 1980 to March 31, 1985. The Scheme has been communicated to the State Governments on December 15, 1982 for consideration and, implementation.
The Government had established in 1973 the Dr. Zakir Husain Memorial College Trust to take over the responsibility for the management and maintenance of the Delhi College, with which the late President Dr. Zakir Husain was closely associated. The objective is to develop the College a a Memorial to Dr. Zakir Husain. A major programme proposed to be implemented by the Trust is to, shift the college from its present site to a new location where further development is possible. Plans and estimates for construction of the first phase of the building of the college have been finalised. The construction programme has been. entrusted to the C.P.W.D.
The Association of Indian Universities is a voluntary federal body of the universities in the country. In recognition of the useful functions performed by the Association by providing a forum for universities to discuss their common problems and find solutions to them, the Government has been sanctioning a token grant towards its maintenance expenditure every year. In addition, the Government has agreed to finance a small Cell in its office as a Core Research Resource to initiate and implement research activities in areas of common interest to the universities. The Research Cell had taken up studies in the are-as of examination reforms and economics of education. Question banks in 16 major subjects included in the curriculum of university-level courses were prepared and published. Besides workshops and training programmes were organised for university and college teachers to acquaint them with the question banks, and new evaluation methods. A large number of monographs and papers have also been brought out on various aspects of question banks, grading system, internal assessment, semester system, university finances, unit cost etc.
Following the re-organisation of the State of Punjab in 1966, the Panjab University was declared as an inter-State Body Corporate under the provisions of the Punjab Re-organisation. Act, 1966. The maintenance expenditure of the university is being shared at present by the Government of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh in the ratio of 40 : 60. The develop- mental expenditure of the university is met substantially from the grants sanctioned by the University Grants Commission. The matching share to such grants, as well as expenditure on development programmes which do not qualify for grants from the Commission are met by the university from an annual loan sanctioned to it by the Central Government. 1982-83, the Ministry released a loan of Rs. 20.00 lakhs to the university for this purpose.
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The Scheme of National Research Professorship was instituted in 1949, to honour distinguished academics and scholars in recognition of their contribution to knowledge, in their respective fields. Till 1965, nine National Professors were appointed under this scheme in various disciplines. Owing to various reasons, no appointments were made thereafter till 1981. The Scheme which was in abeyance for the last many years, has now been revived with the appointment of two National Professors--Dr. Salim Ali and Prof. T. M. P. Mahadevan.
In the Sixth Five Year Plan, the Government have included a Scheme for providing financial assistance to Professional Associations working in the field of Physical and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities for organising conferences, seminars etc., so as to bring about better communi- cation among those who are engaged in teaching, research or independent scholarly pursuits by giving them opportunities to. come together, exchange views, discuss new developments and share new discoveries and additions to knowledge.
The scheme has been finalised and circulated to Universities/State Governments/Ministries etc. in August, 1982.
In pursuance of the recommendations made in the 42nd Report of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, a Special Cell was set up in the Ministry in January, 1977: This Cell is responsible, for review of the policy regarding reservation in admission. The Cell also functions as a liaison unit for furnishing information regarding reservation to the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Parliament. Representations received from Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled.Tribe students in Universities are, also examined by this Cell and taken up with the concerned authorities wherever necessary.
During 1982 it was decided to raise the quantum of reservation in admission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from 20% to 22_% (15% for Scheduled Castes and 71% for Scheduled Tribes). The University Grants Commission has already conveyed this decision to the State Governments and the Central and other Universities for implementa- tion. Forty five representations/complaints. were received by the Cell during the year from various individuals and associations. Most of these related to State Universities. These representations were taken up with the State Governments, University Grants Commission and the Central Universities for appropriate remedial action.
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