(a) whether the Government intends to provide for Gender Grading of STEM Institutions of Higher education;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of other measures being taken to provide for gender equality in STEM educational institutions of the country?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
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(a) Yes Sir.
(b) Department of Science and Technology (DST) has initiated a pilot programme “Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)” to measure and grade gender advancement in institutions of Higher education and laboratories engaged in scientific research. GATI programme aims to develop an indigenous framework to bring transformational changes at institutional level to promote gender equality. The pilot programme aims to create a new ecosystem based on building competencies of institutions by providing them mentoring support. Further, this program will not just assess, accredit and recognize institutions through certification and awards, but would also engage, mentor, partner and support institutions as they work towards reaching the global best practices for gender equality.
(c) DST has several women centric programmes under “Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)” Scheme to bring gender parity in science & technology (S&T). ‘Women Scientists Scheme (WOS)’ under KIRAN provides career opportunities including fellowships to unemployed women scientists and technologists, especially those who had a break in career. Further, Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) encourages women scientists and technologists to undertake international collaborative research in premier institutions in USA. On the other hand, Mobility Scheme addresses relocation issues of working Women Scientists and provides support in project mode for 2-5 years.
In addition to fellowship programmes, DST also provides support for development of research infrastructure and creation of state-of-the-art research laboratories under ‘Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) Programme’ to enhance women’s participation in S&T domain. Further, women scientists and technologists are also encouraged to avail capacity building programmes related to R&D, entrepreneurship, managerial skills and leadership under ‘National Programme for Training of Women Scientists & Technologists working in Government Sector’.
DST has also started a new scheme “Vigyan Jyoti” for girl students of Class 9-12 to encourage them to pursue education and career in science and technology particularly in areas where women are under represented. During 2019-20, Phase-I of Vigyan Jyoti has started in 50 districts of the country.
` Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is also implementing ‘Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe)’ to encourage women scientists in Biotechnology research. Similarly, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also has ‘Biomedical Research Career Programme’ for women scientists. Further, University Grants Commission (UGC) also has ‘Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women’ to provide financial support to emerging women scientists.
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