'GATI' and 'Vigyan Jyoti' launched by President Kovind to Encourage women in R&D
Three new initiatives were launched by President Kovind on National Science Day. The aim is to encourage women to pursue career in science and research
In an address to the people on Friday, President Ram Nath Kovind rued the lesser number of women in science and technology. He said that women comprise only 15% of the strength in science and technology in India. Three new initiatives were launched by him for gender equality in the research, development, and academics institutions of the nation.
President Kovind emphasized on the role of women in ISRO’s Mars orbiter mission Mangalyaan and Moon Mission Chandrayaan 2. He said that during his last year’s visit to Sriharikota for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, he came across a dedicated woman scientist who left her six-month-old son with her parents to join the mission.
While addressing scientists on National Science Day 2020, the theme of which was ‘Women in Science’ said that although there are highly motivated women scientists in India, they cover less than 15% of the strength in R&D and compared it with the global average of women in R&D, according to National Task Force report which is 30%. He also added that the number of women in science and technology teaching institutions is also less and only a few women who study science pursue a career and contribute to the field.
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President Kovind further added that to encourage women for higher studies in science, he has enhanced the representation of women in central universities. He said that on the auspicious day of National Science Day, it was important to empower women for the development of any country.
President Kovind launched The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), which is an online portal for S&T resources for women and ‘Vigyan Jyoti' to increase the percentage of women in science and technology.
GATI will keep track of the progress of the participating institutions in gender advancement. It will also provide information about the government schemes, fellowship, scholarships, career counselling and details of subject area experts from various disciplines.
'Vigyan Jyoti' will recognise meritorious girls in high schools who have an interest in science and will encourage them to pursue science, engineering, technology and mathematics in higher studies.
President Mr. Kovind said that through science and technology the challenges of the environment, healthcare, food, and water security, energy resources, economy, and communication can be handled effectively.
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