"And it is a cause of concern as the colleges in north are not so forthcoming as those from the southern states when it comes to submitting proposals for projects and seeking grants," said Harminder Kaur Chauhan, joint director, UGC, Northern Regional College Bureau, New Delhi, in the city on Saturday.

She was in city to attend a function 'Surmayi Sham' at Master Tara Singh Memorial (MTSM) College for Women on Saturday evening.

Harminder, who took over as the joint director last year, said according to an estimate about two to three colleges in the region applied for grants for new projects as against 10 colleges from southern states.

"I have observed that colleges from this state are either unwilling to or shy away from putting across their demands of proposals to the commission," she said.

Harminder, who was an athlete for six consecutive years when she was a student of the Punjab Agriculture University in the 70's also showed a deep concern over absence of some basic facilities like playgrounds and auditoriums.

"I am a staunch supporter of the idea that all colleges should have playground at least. If the colleges do not have their own land, especially in cities, then they can share the grounds with other nearby educational establishments. But a playground is a must."

About the new plans in the offing, she said that in the 11th plan the UGC, the commission is giving thrust on women empowerment.

"Apart from the need to have better infrastructure, the women colleges should have hostels too. Even MTSM College for Women needs a hostel and they have put their demand for it. Projects like Women Study Centres which are aimed at taking up issues of women are being promoted as part of women empowerment."