Srinagar, March 08: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announced a new scholarship scheme for the girl students of BBA, BCA and BMS programs.
The scheme is announced as a part of AICTE’s ongoing efforts to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive technical and management education ecosystem in India.
The scheme was announced by AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G.Sitharam in the august presence of Ms. Rohini Bhajibhakare lAS, Private Secretary, Minister of State for Education, who graced the celebration of International Women’s Day at AICTE as special chief guest.
Under the scheme, a total of 3000 scholarships will be provided annually to girl students of economically weaker background who are enrolled in AICTE approved Institutions.
The annual grant under the scholarship will be Rs 25000/- per student. In total, AICTE will spend Rs 7.5 crore annually for three years to provide financial support to girl students. The new scholarship is dedicated only for girl students pursuing BBA, BCA and BMS courses from AICTE approved Institutions.
Announcing the scheme, AICTE Chairman highlighted “AICTE takes measures to empower women and unlock their full potential in technical and management education. For girl students in engineering, we have a PRAGATI scheme. Since, BBA, BCA and BMS undergraduate management courses have come under AICTE ambit from this year onwards, we decided to announce a special scheme for girl students of UG management to promote gender equality, provide affordable education and empower girls in management education also”.
He further said that at AICTE, we stand committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women not only thrive but also lead the charge in shaping the future of engineering and management.
“In recent years, we saw a significant increase in women enrollment in AICTE approved Institutions. In 2022-23, 39% women enrolled themselves in AICTE approved courses as compared to 36% in 2021-22 and 30% in 2020-21. The percentage of women enrolled in engineering diploma and UG has also witnessed a significant increase. In 2022-23, 29% women enrolled in engineering diploma and 44% got enrolled in UG Engineering courses. The women enrollment in UG engineering was 29% in 2019-20 which increased to 31% and 40% in the two consecutive years. The increasing percentage of women enrollment over the years underscores the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the need for diversity in the engineering and management workforce,” said Chairman.