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12 Jul, 2013

India Sets Up First Women-Only University

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Cabinet, 11-July, 2013 – The Union Cabinet has approved setting up a National University for Women in Uttar Pradesh by the name of “The Indira Gandhi National University for Women”. This will be the first university of the country to be established exclusively for women. The cost involved is Rs.500 crore during the 12th Plan period.

A bill, namely, the Indira Gandhi National University for Women Bill, 2013 will be introduced in the coming Monsoon Session of Parliament. After the passage of the Bill, steps will be taken to set up the University in Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.

This would set the pace for all round growth and development of women in the country and supplement the efforts of the Government for women’s empowerment by giving them an increased access to employment oriented basic courses and high end research.

Of the total population of the country of 121 crore (1.21 billion), there are 58.6 crore (586 million) are women of whom 9.5 crore (95 million) are in Uttar Pradesh.

The Minister of State for HRD, Mr Jatin Prasad hailed the decision. He said literacy rate among the women is 20% less than that of men and about 25 crore women are still illiterate and out of that 61% are in Uttar Pradesh alone.

Mr. Prasad said the University will set new standards in Education. He called it a historic decision that will prove a milestone in National development and women empowerment.