India breaks world record with student sign up for membership

13 November 2008

Good news for the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in India, as it has received world-record breaking figures of applications from Chennai Local Network.

In one month, an astonishing 271 applications were received of which 257 were students from VIvekanandha College of Engineering of women. With such figures, there are signs showing the end of the under representation of women within the IET membership.

IET Membership Development manager for India offices, Balu Balasubramanya said, “It would seem at first glance that such a large number of women engineers signing up at one go must be a unique and rare occurrence, not just for IET but also for any other engineering organisation.”

The younger member section of Chennai Local Network (YMSC) was formed in 2006 with only 50 student members. To date, this figure has increased to 900 student members.

Before the YMSC became actively involved in conducting and organising local seminars and workshops, the level of skilled workers were extremely low. According to India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Kamal Nath, the growth of the sector was at a disappointing average of 6.3 per cent during 1991-2003. He insisted that the market needed to grow to at least 12 per cent annually.

Things began to change for the better. Towards the end of 2007, the 12 per cent margin has been met and the growth is expected to reach to at least 14 per cent. This is thanks to respected figures like Ratan Tata, who is the head of Tata Motors, shocked the auto industry by announcing in 2003 that his company could produce a car for only 100,000 rupees—that’s £1,200.

The IET has taken on the global issues of the shortages of engineers. It also recognises the outstanding work of people within the engineering and technological industry. Mr Tata has recently received an Honorary Fellowship by the IET.

IET Chief Executive, Robin McGill said, “This is an exciting time for IET in India, as there are record-breaking numbers of female students who are signing up for membership. These are showing great signs that engineering and technological careers are no longer looked at roles for men.”

Media enquiries to:

Robert Beahan
IET Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org

Mary Donovan
IET Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0)7725 498117
E: mdonovan@theiet.org