Government allocated Rs 584.108 lakh in Scholarship for Girls

Since its establishment in 2020, a substantial amount totaling Rs 5841.08 lakh has been allocated to support as Scholarship for Girls Students in pursuing education and careers in the fields of Science and Technology (S&T). The government, through the Department of Science and Technology, has implemented various comprehensive schemes to provide opportunities and support to women in S&T domains. This article delves into the initiatives undertaken by the government to empower women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.

Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)

The flagship scheme ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ aims at fostering the participation of women in S&T by offering diverse programs. These programs include:

Women Scientists Scheme

This scheme targets women scientists who have taken a career break, providing them with support to re-enter and excel in their scientific endeavors.

WISE Fellowship for PhD (WISE-PhD)

Under this initiative, Scholarship for Girls are granted fellowships to pursue doctoral research in both basic and applied sciences, facilitating their academic and professional growth.

WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)

Post-doctoral research opportunities are provided to women scientists to engage in advanced research in various fields of science, promoting innovation and scientific excellence.

WISE-SCOPE

Addressing societal challenges through Science and Technology interventions, this program aims at utilizing scientific advancements for the betterment of society.

WIDUSHI

This initiative supports senior women scientists in continuing their scientific careers, ensuring their valuable contributions to the scientific community are sustained and recognized.

WISE Internship in IPR (WISE IPR)

The government’s ‘WISE Internship in IPR’ program offers training in Intellectual Property Rights, equipping women with essential knowledge and skills in this vital area of innovation and technology management.

Vigyan Jyoti: Igniting the Spark in STEM

Launched in 2020, ‘Vigyan Jyoti’ is a unique initiative aimed at inspiring and encouraging talented girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, which are traditionally underrepresented by women. This program seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing encouragement and support to meritorious girls students.

Scholarship for Girls and Impact

According to government data, approximately 21,600 girls students from Class 9-12, spanning across 250 districts of the country, are currently enrolled in the Vigyan Jyoti program. The program encompasses various activities throughout the year, including parent-student counseling, career guidance, academic support classes, hands-on tinkering activities, interactions with role models, industry visits, and science camps.

One of the significant benefits of the Vigyan Jyoti program is the provision of one-year scholarships to Class 12 girls, empowering them to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2020, a substantial amount of Rs 5841.08 lakh has been distributed as Scholarship for Girls students.

Scholarship Distribution Breakdown

The distribution of scholarships has shown a commendable increase over the years, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering women in S&T. Here’s a breakdown of Scholarship for Girls distribution in recent years:

• 2020-21: Rs 600 lakh worth of Scholarship for Girls were disbursed to students.
• 2021-22: The scholarship amount increased to Rs 971.52 lakh, indicating growing support for women in STEM.
• 2022-23: A significant allocation of Rs 2178.96 lakh was made, demonstrating the government’s continued emphasis on fostering women’s participation in S&T.
• 2023-24: Further reinforcing its commitment, the government allocated Rs 2090.60 lakh towards Scholarship for Girls students, ensuring sustained support for their educational and professional pursuits.

Empower Women in Science and Engineering

The government’s initiatives to empower women in Science and Engineering through various scholarship programs and opportunities are commendable. By fostering an environment conducive to women’s participation and success in STEM fields, these initiatives not only contribute to gender equality but also drive innovation and socio-economic development. As we move forward, it is essential to continue advocating for and investing in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in Science and Technology, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.