Mumbai: April 28,2017
The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Praksh Javadekar informed the media after the 51st meeting of the Council of IITs held at IIT, Powai, Mumbai that the meeting was a very fruitful one. The Minister said that it has been decided to increase the female representation in IITs from 8% to 20%. He noted that although a number of women students cleared the examinations not many joined. He said it has been decided to create additional seats for female students in IITs.
The Minister declared that under Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme a fund of Rs. 75,000/- per month will be for Research and Innovation. This will help prevent brain drain.
Shri Prakash Javadekar said that the Higher Education Finance Agency Funds which were announced in the budget will be augmented by raising money through bond market to create research infrastructure in IITs
He informed that Wellness Centres will be created for students of IITs to enable them to handle stresses. He stated that it has been decided in the Council meeting to have a strong induction programme for students to adapt to the IIT campus life.