Pune: Science & Technology, Research Institutes In India Will Be Evaluated For Gender Equality; DST Introduces GATI

It has been observed that the number of women in teaching, research and seeking science education is significantly less in major science, technology and research institutes in the country. The evaluation concept of GATI is inspired by the Athena Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) scheme, which has been implemented in Europe since 2005 to increase the number of women there.

In this context, the Ministry of Science and Technology, through the DST will conduct an GATI assessment. The DST has invited proposals to participate in the assessment from science and technology research institutes and universities in the country till January 3. The aim is to create an environment for equal participation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics through GATI assessment.

DST’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) had also launched the ‘Power’ scheme for encouraging and promoting women scientists in the field. The scheme will sanction grants of Rs 30 lakh to Rs 60 lakh to women researchers in the age group of 25-35 years. A total of 75 scholarships are planned under this scheme which will be implemented at two levels.