(a) whether the Government have laid special emphasis during the Tenth Five Year Plan to encourage women in the field of Science and Technology;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the facilities likely to be provided to the women for the purpose during the aforesaid plan period; and
(d) the amount proposed to be spent in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SHRI BACHHI SINGH RAWAT)
(a) to (d) A statement is attached.
STATEMENT AS REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5411 FOR 30-04-02 REGARDING WOMEN IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Government is presently attaching vital importance to the encouragement of women in Science & Technology and is implementing various schemes such as Science &Technology for women, Biotechnology based Programme for Women. Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women, and Women Bio Scientist Award. The total outlay of these schemes during the 9th plan had been Rs. 1574 lakhs. In the 10th plan it is proposed to encourage women working in the field of Science & Technology through special incentives such as Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. Additionally, it is also proposed to introduce special gender sensitive features in these schemes through flexible timings, leave options and entry level age relaxation. The emphasis will also be to increase the contribution of women scientist in societal programmes. The earmarking of funds for the new schemes will be done once the specific schemes have been fully concretised and worked out.