SERB-POWER Scheme

The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a scheme called SERB POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research), which aims to encourage women scientists to work in science and technology by October 29, 2020. The scheme is being implemented by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The SERB – POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) programme was designed to reduce gender disparities in science and engineering research funding in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories. SERB – POWER is specifically designed to provide a structured effort toward increased diversity in research in order to ensure equal access and weighted opportunities for Indian women scientists engaged in R&D activities.

Important Terms/Definitions

DST: In India, the Ministry of Science and Technology is the department of Science and Technology (DST). It was founded in May 1971 to advance new fields of science and technology and to serve as a focal point for organizing, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities across the nation.

IISER: A collection of public research institutions in India is known as the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. The Government of India established the institutes through the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to offer collegiate education in the basic sciences along with undergraduate research.

Facts about SERB-POWER

• The SERB-POWER scheme was established primarily to benefit female researchers in the Science and Engineering Research Department.
• Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched this scheme on October 29, 2020.
• Beneficiaries of this scheme will benefit from two important components: the SERB-POWER Fellowship and the SERB-POWER Research Grants.
• The fellowship component will be handled by the Search and Selection Committee, while the research grants component will be handled by the Programme Advisory Committee.
• It aims to empower women and increase their participation in science and engineering research.
• It tends to create a platform to encourage women and, as a result, eliminate gender disparities.
• Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Chairman of the SERB and Secretary of the DST, and Professor Sandeep Verma, Secretary of the SERB
• The launch was also attended by scientists from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Objectives of SERB-POWER

• The scheme’s primary goal is to increase opportunities for women in the scientific and technology research sector.
• It aims to eliminate gender inequality and give women a voice in society.
• This programme typically offers fellowships and research funding to women to support them.
• It will enhance women’s leadership and empowerment.
• A platform will be developed as part of this programme to promote women’s engagement in academic and research organisations.

Features of SERB-POWER

• The Science and Engineering Research Department’s women researchers are the primary beneficiaries of the SERB-POWER programme.
• Dr Harsh Vardhan, an Union Minister, introduced this programme on October 29, 2020.
• For the benefit of the recipients, this programme includes the SERB-POWER Fellowship and SERB-POWER Research Grants.
• The fellowship component will be handled by the search and selection committee, and the research funding component will be handled by the programme advisory committee.
• It strives to advance women’s status and boost their involvement in the field of scientific and engineering research.
• It usually establishes a platform to support women and eliminate gender inequality.

Benefits of SERB-POWER

• The shortlisted candidates will receive up to Rs. 15,000 per month.
• As a result, each nominee will receive a research grant of Rs. 10 lakh each month.
• The plan will be used for domestic travel, consumables, contingencies, small equipment, and manpower.

Eligibility of SERB-POWER

• Must possess a Ph. D. in any of the engineering or scientific fields.
• All applicants must be citizens of India.
• Candidates must be between the ages of 35 and 55 and employed in Indian institutions in order to be considered.
• Throughout the Fellowship, they should be performing their regular duties.
• Applicants for this programme are not required to accept any additional fellowships from the government throughout their tenure.

Components of the Scheme

Fellowship for SERB-POWER

• Aim: Women researchers between the ages of 35 and 55 are targeted, with up to 25 fellowships available each year. Moreover, no more than 75 fellowships may be awarded at any given time.
• Supporting Elements: A monthly fellowship of Rs.15,000; a research grant of Rs.10 lakhs per year; and additional overhead of Rs.90,000 per year.
• Duration: Three years.

SERB-POWER Research Grants

Funding for up to 50 Power Grants in Two Categories:

• Level I: For applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions, offers up to 60 lakhs over three years.
• Level II: For candidates from State Universities/Colleges and Private Academic Institutions, up to 30 lakhs for three years. Grants shall be governed by terms of reference that follow the SERB-Core Research Grant (CRG) specifications.

Selection Process

The decision will be made based on the contestants’ performances. Therefore, give your best effort and perform effectively to benefit from this scheme.

Significance of SERB-POWER

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) aims to recruit more female researchers and engineers.
• The SERB-POWER program’s ability to create a workplace that is gender-balanced and supportive of women is one of its most important contributions.
• It will enable women scientists to develop leadership skills and collaborate with decision-making bodies.

FAQs on SERB-POWER

Question 1: Describe the SERB power scheme.

Answer:

Globally, gender inequality has been a persistent issue. India has introduced the SERB POWER programme in an effort to lessen the gender gap in the field of science and engineering research. The programme was created by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Question 2: Mention the benefits of the scheme.

Answer:

• The shortlisted candidates will receive up to Rs. 15,000 per month.
• As a result, each nominee will receive a research grant of Rs. 10 lakh each month.
• The plan will be used for domestic travel, consumables, contingencies, small equipment, and manpower.

Question 3: What are the objectives of the scheme?

Answer:

• The scheme’s primary goal is to increase opportunities for women in the scientific and technology research sector.
• It aims to eliminate gender inequality and give women a voice in society.
• This programme typically offers fellowships and research funding to women to support them.
• It will enhance women’s leadership and empowerment.
• A platform will be developed as part of this programme to promote women’s engagement in academic and research organisations.

Question 4: Who started the SERB power?

Answer:

SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) Scheme, which contains two components of fellowship and research funding, was recently introduced by the Union Minister for Science and Technology.

Question 5: Does SERB observe DST?

Answer:

State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE) is a brand-new, ground-breaking programme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), that can encourage cooperation for high-end research in public and private universities and colleges.