The recent expansion of the Vigyan Jyoti programme into its second phase, covering an additional 100 districts, has drawn attention to India’s efforts to increase gender parity in the field of Science and Technology. Launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Vigyan Jyoti is one of many women-centric initiatives actively promoting equal representation within this sector.
Exploring the Vigyan Jyoti Programme
At its core, the Vigyan Jyoti Programme aims to correct the imbalance of female representation within diverse Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields across India. Initially introduced at a school level in 2019-20, the programme has been working with high-performing female students from grades 9-12, encouraging them to consider higher education and STEM careers.
Adopting a comprehensive approach, the programme provides support and implements interventions from grade IX up to the Ph.D. level, aiming to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM areas where women are traditionally underrepresented. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Education, is responsible for implementing the Vigyan Jyoti programme. Leveraging their network of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across 600-plus Indian districts, NVS has played a critical role in expanding the reach of this initiative.
Additional Government Initiatives Aimed at Achieving Gender Parity
Besides Vigyan Jyoti, several government schemes are devised to aid women in the Science & Technology domain. These include the Women Scientists Scheme, designed to assist women who have taken career breaks; the Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (WISTEMM) programme, which allows women scientists to work in American research labs; and the Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) programme, aimed at enhancing the R&D infrastructure and developing state-of-the-art research facilities in women’s universities.
In addition, the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) program has been launched to develop a comprehensive Charter and framework to assess Gender Equality within STEM fields. The New Education Policy and the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy are also positioned to utilise the demographic dividend, aiming for rapid progress in increasing female representation within science.
The Future of Women in STEM
To foster innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and prepare women for AI-based jobs in the future, DST has further established AI labs in women’s universities. This proactive approach ensures that women are equipped with relevant skills for the evolving landscape of Science & Technology.
Overall, the government’s efforts, including moves such as expanding the Vigyan Jyoti programme, indicate a strong commitment towards empowering women and achieving gender parity in the Indian Science & Technology sector.
Source: PIB
