In an unprecedented decision Planning Commission has rejected President's proposal to open all-women IIT at Amravati. According to reports, President Patil's proposal was approved by both the HRD Ministry and the PMO, had gone to the Plan panel for its in-principle approval. In support of all-women IIT, it was argued that such an institution in a backward region like Amravati would send the right message and could act as a catalyst for women's education in the area.

 

However, Indian Planning Commission thinks differently. The reason behind rejecting an idea of such institute by Planning Commission is that it thinks that setting up an all-woman IIT would result in demands for similar NITs and IIMs, and therefore, is not a wise idea to implement. Earlier, government had cited that there are all-women institute globally and it would be better if India too opens up such institutes.

 

The move would not end pre-maturely, as government still can ask for reconsideration of the decision. There could be another effort to convince the Planning Commission. There has been strong opinion against Planning Commission's apprehension that all-women IIT would raise demand for all-women NITs and IIMs. It has been argued that, prima facie there is nothing wrong in such demand. Example of Japan has been cited where at least 10 women's universities are operating in humanities, engineering and science education.