167 women's studies units face UGC funds cut

The Indian Association for Women's Studies on Wednesday expressed concern over the future of 167 women's studies centres in universities and colleges across India following a University Grants Commission (UGC) notice that makes funding for them after September 30 uncertain.
The support for women's studies centres was under the plan head from the Sixth Plan onwards. These centres were established and sustained by special grants and support given by the UGC.According to the UGC public notice of March 29 this year, the continuance of ongoing UGC schemes under the plan head after September 30, 2017 would depend on the outcome of a review by the UGC.
An IAWS statement said, “It's taken decades of efforts by scholars and students, often in the teeth of opposition from local vested interests, to establish the fledgling field of women's studies in the education system.“ At a national convention held on Wednesday , scholars and studentsenrolled in these centres appealed to the UGC to continue to grant support.