There are a total of 27,532 women scientists who account for about 14. 3 per cent of the total scientists working in the science and technology institutions of the nation. The Union Minister of Science and technology provided this information in reply to a query raised during question hour in the lok Sabha by Haridwar MP and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.
The MP demanded that the involvement of women scientists be increased in the nation’s science and technology institutions and asked the Union Minister about the percentage of women scientists in the laboratories and institutes of India. He sought to know whether the Ministry had taken any steps to encourage women scientists. It was stated in response to the MP’s question that there are a total of 27,532 women scientists working in laboratories and institutions across the nation.
They account for about 14.3 per cent of the total number of scientists working in the nation. The Ministry is also implementing the Innovation in Science Pursuit of Inspired Research (INSPIRE) in order to encourage innovate scientific research in the nation. Till date about 13.86 lakh INSPIRE awards have been presented with girls making up for about 47 per cent of the award recipients.
Regarding any special facilities being provided to women scientists, the Minister informed that lady scientists are provided facilities including crèche for children and residential accommodation.
Regarding measures taken by the Government of India to increase the number of women scientists, it was stated that all specialised programmes for women scientists are being reorganised under the Knowledge, Involvement, Research, Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) scheme of the Department of Science and Technology.
This scheme provides women whose careers are obstructed by family issues, the opportunity to rejoin the mainstream, it was stated.