New technical education schemes launched for women, specially-abled children

NEW DELHI : The government Tuesday launched two schemes in the area of technical education -- one for differently-abled children and another for women -- on the occasion of National Education Day. 

The schemes, Pragati and Saksham, to be implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education, were launched here in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and Human Resource Development Minster Smriti Irani, among others. 

Pragati, which is aimed at providing assistance for advancement of girl participation in technical education, envisages selection of one girl per family, where the family income is less than Rs.6 lakh per annum, on merit in the qualifying examination to pursue technical education. 

The scheme attempts to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. 

Saksham is aimed at providing encouragement and support to specially-abled children to pursue technical education. 

Under the scheme, 1,000 scholarships every year will be awarded to differently-abled students whose family income is less than Rs.6 lakh per annum. The candidates will be selected on basis of qualifying examination to pursue technical education in AICTE approved institutions from amongst such candidates. 

According to the ministry, the scholarship money will ensure "students with disabilities achieve their college goals, despite learning issues, environmental challenges, or medical bills".

Sources : The Times of India | Nov 13, 2014 |

India, UK set up 50m pound fund for research

NEW DELHI: India and the UK on Wednesday announced setting up of a 50 million pound Newton-Bhabha Fund which will be used for multi-disciplinary cooperation in the fields of science, research and innovation between the two countries. 

Minister for science and technology Harsh Vardhan said the programme was aimed at providing financial assistance to the best minds from both countries in carrying out scientific research and innovation. 

"Scientists, academicians, research scholars and administrators from both countries have come forward to undertake joint-research activities for developing a scientific temperamong the people. Newton-Bhabha Fund is a tribute to the famous icons Homi J Bhabha and Sir Issac Newton from both the lands. The programme aims to provide 50 million pounds to the best minds of both countries in addressing the global challenges through the application of science and technology," Vardhan said. 

Delegates from both the countries deliberated on various issues at a meeting of the 4th UK-India Science and Innovation Council and decided to go for joint new research projects in mental health and substance abuseamong others. 

"I hope this exciting new programme will deliver as much to global science as Newton and Bhabha. By working together to address big societal challenges, like sustainable cities, health, food, energy and water, the UK and India can deliver tangible benefits for our countries and the world," said Greg Clark, British minister for Universities, Science and Cities.

Sources : The Times of India | Nov 13, 2014 |