Lok Sabha Question No. 4394 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-20
Subject: Gender Grading of STEM Institution
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4394 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20/03/2020

## GENDER GRADING OF STEM INSTITUTION

## 4394. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY वान और ौयोगक मंी be pleased to state:

- (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?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND

## MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN) वाय और परवार कयाण मंी ; वान और ौयोगक मंी ; और पृ वी वान मंी (डॉ. हष वधन)

- (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  Reorientation  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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