Question : Participation of Girls in STEM Subjects

(a) whether as per the data by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, girl students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the masters, M.Phil. and Ph.D. level comprise 22 per cent, 28 per cent and 35 per cent respectively;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons for low rate of participation of girl students in STEM subjects in higher education;

(c) whether to increase the participation of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for higher education, the Government is planning to introduce a new programme called “Vigyan Jyoti” for the girls from class 9 to 12 students;

(d) the details of the components and facilities likely to be provided by the Government to the selected/interested girls under the said programme;

(e) the details of institutes selected by the Government to provide training to selected girls under the said programme; and

(f) whether the Government proposes to provide any financial support for the entire duration of the training to the girls under the said programme and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE; MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
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(a) Yes Sir. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) analysed data mentioned in report of All India Survey for Higher Education (AISHE) for 2017-18 done by Ministry of Human Resource Development and found girl students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the Masters, M.Phil. and Ph.D. level comprise 22, 28 and 35 per cent respectively.

(b) There are numerous reasons for the low rate of participation of girl students in STEM subjects in higher education. Some of reasons are, lack of awareness about career options in STEM field, low accessibility of higher education institutions with STEM subjects in nearby areas, financial limitation, safety issues, etc.

(c) Department of Science and Technology has already started Vigyan Jyoti programme in 2019-20.

(d) Under the programme, various activities such as Science Camps, special lectures/classes, counseling of girl students as well as parents and interaction with role models are planned. Selected girl students will also get opportunity to visit nearby Institutions of National Importance and industries. Access to the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), where available, will also be provided to the selected girl students under the programme.

(e) Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti has been selected to implement Vigyan Jyoti programme in 50 Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalayas (JNVs) located in different parts of the country during the current financial year 2019-20.

(f) Yes, Sir. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) provides scholarship of Rs.2,000/- per month to selected girl students for entire duration of Vigyan Jyoti programme.

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