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SERB-POWER Scheme (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)

Madhavi Gaur September 29, 2023 04:15 3558 0

The SERB-POWER Scheme (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research Scheme) was launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in India.

SERB-POWER Scheme (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)

SERB-POWER Scheme: Empowering Women in Research

The SERB-POWER Scheme (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research Scheme), launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, represents a pivotal initiative to address gender disparity in research funding within the realms of science and engineering. This article delves into the scheme’s objectives, underscoring its significance in the research and development domain for women scientists. Aspiring candidates for the upcoming IAS Exam will find insights into government policies related to education and women’s issues.

The SERB – POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) initiative is crafted to address the gender gap prevalent in the allocation of funds for science and engineering research across various Science and Technology (S&T) programs within Indian academic institutions and research and development laboratories. Uniquely tailored, the SERB – POWER program aims to systematically promote diversity in research, ensuring equitable access and substantial opportunities for Indian women scientists actively involved in research and development endeavors.

SERB-POWER Scheme
SERB-POWER Scheme

About SERB-POWER Scheme

In its quest to address gender disparities, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) initiated the SERB-POWER scheme, specifically tailored to empower women in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Launched on an e-platform, the scheme comprises two key components: Research Grants and Fellowship. Its overarching goal is to inspire more women to pursue careers in science, fostering a more women-friendly atmosphere in research and academic institutions. Additionally, the project aims to elevate women into decision-making roles and leadership positions.

Components of SERB-POWER Scheme

The SERB-POWER scheme aims to create a funding framework to empower women researchers, with two essential components:

SERB-POWER Fellowship

  • Target Audience: Women researchers aged between 35 and 55 years, with up to 25 fellowships annually, not exceeding 75 fellowships at any given time.
  • Components of Support: A fellowship of Rs. 15,000 per month, a research grant of Rs. 10 lakhs per annum, and an additional overhead of Rs. 90,000 per annum.
  • Duration: Three years, with no possibility of extension.

SERB-POWER Research Grants:

  • Funding Levels:
  • Level I: Up to 60 Lakhs for three years for candidates from government institutes, national labs, IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, etc.
  • Level II: Up to 30 Lakhs for three years for candidates from private or state universities/colleges.

These two distinctive categories within the SERB – POWER initiative collectively signify a holistic approach to empowering and supporting women in research. By addressing financial barriers and providing avenues for skill development and mentorship, SERB aims to create an environment where women scientists can thrive, excel, and significantly contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of scientific discovery and innovation. The fellowship and research grants are not merely financial aids; they symbolize a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence in the realm of scientific exploration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for grants and fellowships under SERB-POWER:

  • Indian citizenship.
  • Holding a regular academic/research position in any recognized academic institution.
  • Adherence to SERB-CRG guidelines for grants.
  • Women scientists cannot simultaneously hold both Power Fellowship and Power Grants.
  • Faculties recruited through UGC-Faculty Recharge Program are eligible to apply.

About Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)

Established through the SERB Act 2008, the Science and Engineering Research Board is a statutory body under the Government of India. It plays a crucial role in uplifting science and engineering in India to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth. As the premier research funding agency in India, SERB identifies key areas of development and research, fostering collaboration between academic institutions, research labs, and industries in promoting science and technology.

Significance of SERB-POWER Scheme

The SERB-POWER scheme, introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is poised to attract more women scientists into the realms of research and engineering. Its primary significance lies in establishing a gender-balanced working environment and cultivating a culture that is conducive to the advancement of women in science. The scheme further empowers women scientists to develop leadership qualities and actively participate in decision-making bodies.

Other Government Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment

Several impactful Government Initiatives have been launched to empower women, fostering their development across various sectors:

  1. Kudumbashree Programme:
    • Located in Kerala, India, this community development program is tailored specifically for women. Its core objective is to empower women by promoting micro-enterprise development and community organization. The program places a strong emphasis on poverty eradication and the holistic development of women.
  2. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP):
    • A joint initiative aimed at ensuring the survival, protection, and empowerment of the girl child.
  3. Vigyan Jyoti Scheme:
    • Launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this initiative strives to create an equitable platform for meritorious girls in high school to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in higher institutions.
  4. Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) Scheme:
    • Focused on developing a charter and framework to assess gender equality in STEM fields.
  5. National Science Day 2020:
    • Celebrated on February 28, 2020, with the theme ‘Women In Science.’ Dr. Niti Kumar, a senior scientist from CSIR-CDRI Lucknow, received the SERB Women Excellence Award-2020.
  6. SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research):
    • Introduced by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, this initiative is aimed at fostering women’s involvement in science and technology research.

SERB-POWER Scheme UPSC

  • Launched in 2018, SERB-POWER received a total allocation of Rs. 50 crores.
  • Its primary objective is to motivate and support women researchers in pursuing research and development activities in cutting-edge areas of science and engineering.
  • Women scientists and engineers can apply for research grants of up to Rs. 60 lakhs for three years under this initiative.
  • Over 800 women researchers have received research funds through this initiative since its inception.
  • Additional support, including travel grants, conference grants, and maternity leave provisions, is provided to women researchers.
  • Eligibility requires applicants to hold a Ph.D. degree in science or engineering, occupy a regular academic or research position in a recognized institution in India, and not have received any major research grant from any government funding agency in India.

SERB-POWER Scheme Concluding Remarks

The appointment of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi as the first female director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reflects the increasing participation of women in science research. Initiatives like SERB-POWER play a crucial role in actively encouraging women to engage in scientific and research pursuits.

The Government of India’s comprehensive programs, including Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (WISTEMM), and Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE), collectively aim to enhance the proportion of women pursuing careers in science, a crucial endeavor in the modern world.

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SERB-POWER Scheme FAQs

The SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) Scheme has been initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology in India. This project's primary aim is to address and reduce gender disparity in the allocation of funds for science and engineering research across various Science and Technology (S&T) programs within Indian academic institutions and Research and Development (R&D) Laboratories.

The funding scale extends up to 30 lakhs for a duration of three years under the POWER Grant. This grant encompasses allocations for equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, and contingency. Additionally, "overheads" are allocated to the implementing institution in accordance with the prevailing norms of SERB. The regulation of the POWER Grant adheres to terms of reference that align with SERB-CRG guidelines.

The candidate must be a dynamic scientist with a distinguished track record of research accomplishments as an independent investigator. Continuous service in a regular capacity is a prerequisite for the entire Fellowship period. The candidate should be an Indian citizen within the age bracket of 35 to 55, actively engaged in work within institutions in India.

The eligibility criteria for accessing the SERB-POWER fellowship stipulate an age range between 35 and 55 years. Additionally, prospective candidates must be Indian citizens, employed in an Indian institution, and possess a stellar performance record in research.

Remuneration: INR 31,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) in accordance with applicable DST-SERB, India norms or institute norms.
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