GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2648
TO BE ANSWERED ON 16-12-2008

FACILITIES FOR WOMEN SCIENTISTS

2648. SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) the number of women scientists working presently in various research and educational institutes of the country; and
(b) the efforts being made by the Government to promote and encourage women scientists?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) There are 19,707 women scientists employed in research and development establishments which include public, private and academic sectors, major scientific agencies, state and central government ministries.
(b) The Government of India has taken many steps to promote and encourage women scientists such as awarding them fellowships and awards. The Department of Science & Technology has implemented a Fellowship scheme for women scientists since the year 2003. The scheme under three categories WOS-A, WOS-B & WOS-C aims to provide women scientists and technologists an opportunity to re-enter into the field of science. 628 women scientists have availed the women scientists' fellowships up to 2007-08. Similarly the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Department of Biotechnology have instituted annual awards for women scientists.