Introduction:
Udaan is a special initiative launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, to address the underrepresentation of girl students in engineering and technical education. Launched in 2012, the Udaan scheme aims to provide free online coaching and support to girl students aspiring to pursue engineering and related technical fields. This note provides an overview of the Udaan Scheme, its objectives, key features, impact, and significance in promoting gender diversity in technical education.
Objectives:
- Promote Gender Parity: The primary objective of the Udaan Scheme is to bridge the gender gap in the field of engineering and technology by encouraging more girls to pursue these fields.
- Enhance Access: Udaan aims to provide girl students with equal opportunities and access to quality coaching and resources for competitive engineering entrance examinations.
- Empowerment: The scheme seeks to empower girls by boosting their confidence, providing mentorship, and helping them compete effectively in a predominantly male-dominated field.
Key Features:
- Free Online Coaching: Udaan provides free online coaching to girl students preparing for engineering entrance exams like JEE (Main and Advanced) and other related competitive exams.
- Experienced Faculty: The coaching is conducted by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective subjects.
- Study Material: Participants receive study materials and resources to help them prepare for the exams.
- Mentorship: Udaan assigns mentors to guide and support the students throughout their preparation journey.
- Focused Approach: The program takes a focused approach to cater specifically to the needs and challenges faced by female engineering aspirants.
- Regular Assessments: Students are regularly assessed to gauge their progress and address areas that need improvement.
Impact and Significance:
- Gender Diversity: Udaan has played a significant role in increasing the representation of girls in engineering and technical education, promoting gender diversity in these fields.
- Empowerment: The scheme has empowered girl students by giving them the confidence and resources to pursue competitive examinations and excel in technical fields.
- Equality: Udaan exemplifies the commitment of the government to gender equality in education, particularly in fields where girls have been historically underrepresented.
- Role Models: Successful Udaan alumni have become role models for other girls aspiring to enter engineering and related fields.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Awareness: Ensuring that eligible girl students are aware of and can access the Udaan program is essential.
- Sustainability: Maintaining the sustainability and long-term impact of the program requires continuous support and resources.
- Changing Mindsets: Overcoming stereotypes and changing societal perceptions about women in technical fields is an ongoing challenge.
Conclusion:
The Udaan Scheme is a pioneering initiative that addresses gender disparities in engineering and technical education. By providing free coaching, mentorship, and support to girl students, it has opened up opportunities and pathways for them to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Udaan aligns with the government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in education, making it a significant step toward building a more inclusive and diverse technical workforce in India.