ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PURE SCIENCE
RAJYA SABHA
There has been a
slight decline in enrolment in Science subjects at undergraduate
level, according to information furnished by the University Grants
Commission (UGC). This is due to the fact that unlike in the past,
now there are several options available for the youth to select
courses from amongst job oriented professional and I.T. degree
courses. However, the data available with UGC shows slight increase
in students enrolment in postgraduate courses in various subjects
like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany and Zoology. The
UGC is promoting higher education/research in pure science by
providing assistance to university departments/colleges under
various schemes like Special Assistance Programme/Strengthening
of Infrastructure in Science and Engineering/Technology, etc.
Teachers are encouraged to undertake projects (Major/Minor) in
different areas. The UGC has initiated a scheme of National Lecturer
according to which toppers in science subjects are eligible for
lectureship.
This information
was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development,
Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
