RAJYA SABHA
VIGYAN JYOTI PROGRAMME FOR GIRLS
3184. Shri Ayodhya Rami Reddy
Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:
(a) the details of features of the Vigyan Jyoti Programme which aims at encouraging the girls to take interest in science;
(b) the progress made under the same;
(c) the measures taken under the same; and
(d) the details of other measures being taken to establish gender parity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE; MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has started a new programme ‘Vigyan Jyoti’ for girl students of Class 9-12 to encourage them to pursue education and career in science and technology particularly in the areas where women are underrepresented. Various activities such as Science Camps, special lectures/classes, counselling of students- parents and interaction with role models are conducted in the programme. Selected girls are also getting opportunity to visit nearby scientific institutions and industries. Access to the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), where ever available, is also provided to the selected students for tinkering activities.
(b) Vigyan Jyoti Programme was launched in 50 districts of the country in the first year wherein around 2,500 girl students were benefitted. The programme has been expanded in 100 Districts of the country to support 10000 girl students. During the year 2020-21, around 739 online special classes/lectures were conducted covering concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology which are important to qualify entrance examinations for admission into premier institutions. More than 150 lectures, from eminent scientists/role models were also organized. Further, four (4) science camps, 22 visits to Knowledge Partners/Industry/Lab, seven (7) Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) workshops and 58 student- parent counselling sessions were organized.
(c) Several measures have been taken under the programme to encourage girls to take interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) subjects for higher studies. Some of the measures include, special lectures, interaction with role models, visit to nearby scientific institution, etc. In addition, an e-learning platform has been implemented to connect all Vigyan Jyoti students during pandemic time. The regular subject-oriented classes and tests have been conducted for clarity of concepts to students. Further, a Learning Management System (LMS) has also been developed under Vigyan Jyoti for smooth management of the programme and to organise various activities mainly, tracking the progress, sharing of learning material, class tests, scientific minor projects, recognizing best performer, etc.
(d) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has started ‘Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN)’ Scheme in 2014-15 to establish gender parity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). KIRAN has many women centric programmes to encourage women in STEM. One of the programmes ‘Women Scientist Scheme’ provides opportunities to women scientists and technologists, especially those who had a break in career under its three components namely,
i) Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A) for conducting research in Basic & Applied Sciences, ii) Women Scientists Scheme-B (WOS-B) for research that entail S&T interventions for societal benefit, and iii) Women Scientists Scheme-C (WOS-C) for internship in Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). The Mobility programme has been introduced under KIRAN to address relocation issue of working Women Scientists. Further, ‘Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) programme provides opportunities to women scientists & technologists to undertake International collaborative research in premier institutions in the USA for 3-6 months. The institutional support is also provided through ‘Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE)’ Programme for development of research infrastructure in women universities in order to enhance women’s participation in Research & Development activities in STEM. The DST has started a new programme ‘Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)’ which aims to transform institutions for more gender sensitive approach and inclusiveness with the ultimate goal to improve the gender equity in STEM.