UGC Introduces Two-Year Childcare Leave for Women Professors
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 23, 2025:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has incorporated a provision in the UGC Regulations, 2025, mandating that all higher education institutions, including universities and colleges, grant up to two years of childcare leave to women faculty members. This initiative aims to address longstanding concerns raised by women professors regarding the denial of adequate childcare leave.
As per the report of the Pune Mirror, the UGC has emphasized that institutions failing to adhere to these regulations will face stringent penalties, which may include fines, cancellation of course recognition, or even a complete ban on the institution.
In addition to the childcare leave provision, the UGC has proposed revisions to the recruitment criteria for professors. Under the new guidelines, candidates who have passed the National Eligibility Test (NET) in a subject different from their undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) studies can apply for professorial positions in the relevant subject. Furthermore, individuals with a PhD in a discipline different from their UG and PG education will also be eligible to become professors in their PhD subject. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility in the recruitment process and recognize diverse academic backgrounds.
These developments reflect the UGC's commitment to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for women in academia, while also broadening the criteria for faculty appointments to leverage a wider pool of expertise.