Agencies
NEW DELHI, July 24 : Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh, union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space and Atomic Energy, stated that the Government has taken several initiatives to encourage women to choose career in the field of Science & Technology which would not only help in developing a high quality genre of women scientists in the country but will also provide a platform for enhancing gender parity in the field of Science.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that a holistic approach is contemplated to address the need of science oriented young women for career opportunity, re-entry after break in career and mobility with possibilities for mid-career changes. Referring to his Ministry's innovative programme titled "CURIE" (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities), Dr Jitendra Singh informed that six women universities across the country have been provided support under this initiative. These six universities include Banasthali Women University, Banasthali, Avinashilingam Women University, Coimbatore, SNDT Women University, Mumbai, Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswavidyalayam, Tirupati, Karnataka State Women University, Bijapur and Mother Teresa Women University, Kodaikanal, he added.
Not only this, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Department of Science and Technology under his Ministry has initiated "Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme for Women Scientists (Bio-CARe)" in order to encourage participation of women scientists in biotechnology research.
Pertinent to mention here that ever since Dr Jitendra Singh took charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology seven weeks ago, he has succeeded in bringing the Department into focus through a series of new innovative initiatives including exchange programmes for young scientists, special slots for women scientists, a number of new fellowships and Bio-Tech projects to develop indigenous cost-effective medical drugs and vaccines. |
