From The Desk of The Vice-Chancellor       

          Rapid developments taking place in science and technology along with globalized economy have resulted in increasing demand for skilled and highly competitive human resources. The responsibility of developing such skilled manpower lies with the higher education sector. While much is done to meet this challenge, a lot needs to be done in turning out readily employable graduates who meet the demand. Karnataka has been the fastest growing state over the past decade in terms of GDP and per capita GDP with a growth of 56.2% and 43.9% respectively. Karnataka contributes for more than 5% of India's GDP and has emerged as a leader in IT followed by BT. The darker side is the striking regional disparity. The boom in economy is confined to the southern districts. There is also a striking gender disparity which is more pronounced in all respects in rural and backward areas. Current overall literacy in Karnataka is 67.04% which is above national average of 54.16%.. But male and female literacy stand at 76% and 57% respectively. Gulbarga and Raichur districts have female literacy rate of 38.4% and 36.84% respectively. There are 12 districts in Karnataka with literacy below the national average.

          It was with this background that the Karnataka State Women's University was established in Bijapur in August 2003 affiliating women's collages in 12 northern districts of Karnataka. The university made a humble beginning with 5 post-graduate departments and now has 15 departments with 5 faculties.

          It is not enough if universities focus on higher educaion and academic activities alone divorced from the real life problems of those who should ultimately benefit from them. It is only when academic and research institutions focus on the needs of the society that transformation of society can take place. This also helps in sensitizing the younger generation about the needs of the society. It is necessary to aim at ways in which training and facilities can be provided for accessing, analysing and applying knowledge, particularly by women, and those from socially and economically poor background in order to enable them to be important players in the society. Education is a powerful medium for upliftment of poor and backward and controlling exploitation of women and achieving women empowerment. As expressed by the President of India Her Excellency Mrs. Prathiba Patil, empowermtne of women leads to the empowerment of nation.

          Karnataka State University, dedicated for the cause of empowerment of women is taking strides in the above direction through teaching, training, outreach and extension programmes for women. While there is no second opinion about the importance of education for women and every one agrees that educating women has a multiplier effect, equal importance has not been given for womens' education in the state. Many of the women's colleges are operating on low budget and are not able to offer a wide choice of educational programmes. The potential of nearly 50% if the population is underutilized. The gigantic task of changing this scenario and making women's university and women's colleges which more readily attract women from poor and rural background on par with other leading instituions in the country lies before the women's university. The university has taken steps to implement a number of innovative programmes including short term vocational training programmes. The university looks forward to help and participation from every corner in achieving its motto namely empowerment of women through education.

Designed, developed and maintained by : Kshithija Infotech Private Limited, Bangalore