NEW DELHI: Representation of women in national science academies in India is steadily increasing, contrary to claims made by a global survey, Lok Sabha was informed today.
Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said during Question Hour that the study report recently released by global survey of science academies and gender had not taken into account the output of all Indian science academies and had missed out the performance of major institutions like Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore, National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad and Indian National Academy of Engineering, New Delhi.
Indian National Science Academy, Delhi is the only Indian academy that the report had referred to, he said.
“Women’s representation and their participation in national science academies in India is steadily increasing, though it is still not at par with their male counterparts,” the minister said.
He also said the number of women opting for higher studies and research in science has been steadily on the rise. Girl students, Harsh Vardhan said, have been consistently outperforming the boys.
The UGC has reported that there are 51 per cent women and 49 per cent men pursuing post-graduate studies in Indian universities.
He said the government has been continuously striving to usher in gender parity in science and firm measures are being taken to ensure greater and lasting participation of women in science.
As part of the efforts, ‘mobility’ scheme has been launched to ensure that women scientists and academicians do not face trouble on account of relocation, he said. (AGENCIES)
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