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SERB POWER Scheme - Objectives, Components, Eligibility, Importance & Interesting Facts
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SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) Scheme is a scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology to empower the Women of India in Science, Technology, and Research.
The SERB-POWER initiative was created to reduce the funding gap between men and women in scientific and engineering research across various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D labs. Moreover, to promote equal access and weighted chances for Indian women scientists working on research and development projects, SERB-POWER was created with a specific focus on providing systematic efforts toward increased diversity in research.
SERB POWER Scheme
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SERB-POWER Scheme is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of Science and Technology in the General Studies Paper-II syllabus.
In this article, we shall discuss the scheme's components, including the SERB fellowship and research grants, along with other important information, such as the scheme's objectives, eligibility, etc.
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What is SERB-POWER?
To address the gender gap in science and engineering research, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has introduced the SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) initiative. This program, launched online, is designed to empower women in science, technology, and engineering.
The SERB-POWER initiative comprises two main components: Research Grants and Fellowships, which provide crucial support and opportunities for women working in these domains. Its primary objective is to inspire more women to pursue careers in the science field while also nurturing a more inclusive and supportive research and academic environment. Furthermore, this project aims to enhance the representation of women in decision-making bodies and promote their leadership roles within these institutions.
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Objectives of SERB-POWER
SERB-POWER is a scheme launched by the Indian government to promote women scientists for research and development. Its objectives are:
- To encourage and facilitate women researchers to take up R&D projects.
- To create awareness about the role of women in science and technology.
- To support the career advancement of women in science and technology.
- To promote gender equality in science and technology.
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Major Components of SERB-POWER
SERB – POWER Scheme has the following two components:
- i) SERB-POWER Fellowship
- ii) SERB-POWER Research Grants
SERB-POWER Fellowship
- The target beneficiaries are women researchers aged 35 to 55 years.
- Up to 25 fellowships annually will be awarded, but not more than 75 at a time.
- The support includes:
- A monthly SERB fellowship of ₹15,000 in addition to regular income.
- An annual research grant of ₹10 lakh.
- An overhead amount of ₹90,000 per year.
- The duration of the fellowship is 3 years without the possibility of extension. It is offered only once in a researcher's career.
SERB-POWER Research Grants
- Funding is under two categories for up to 50 SERB Power Grants:
- Level I: Up to ₹60 lakhs for 3 years for applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, central universities, and central government national labs.
- Level II: Up to ₹30 lakhs for 3 years for applicants from state universities/colleges and private academic institutions.
- Regulations: Grants will follow terms of reference per SERB-Core Research Grant guidelines.
Eligibility for SERB-POWER
The following criteria must be met to get the benefits of the scheme:
Eligibility for SERB-POWER Research Grants
- Women scientists and faculty members who are Indian citizens.
- Regular and full-time employment in a recognized academic or research institution in India.
- Possessing a Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering.
- Aged up to 55 years as of the application deadline.
Eligibility for SERB-POWER Fellowship
- Women scientists who are Indian citizens.
- A Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering.
- Currently not employed, but desirous of returning to mainstream science.
- Aged up to 55 years as of the application deadline.
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Importance of SERB-POWER
- The SERB-POWER program’s ability to create a workplace that is gender-balanced and supportive of women will be one of its most significant contributions.
- The Scheme will encourage women to participate in research projects and other research-related activities, greatly increasing the proportion of women researchers in India.
- It will also enable women scientists to develop leadership skills, collaborate with groups that make decisions, and empower them for decision-making tasks.
Significance of SERB Power
Source: un.org
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What is SERB?
The Government of India established it through the SERB Act of 2008. It is a statutory body with a primary objective of advancing science and engineering within the country. This endeavor is envisioned to contribute to India's economic growth significantly. As India's foremost research funding agency, its core responsibilities include identifying key areas for research and development, fostering strong connections between academic institutions, research laboratories, and industries to promote Science and Technology, and overseeing the progress and execution of diverse research projects.
SERB-POWER: Facts and Figures for UPSC
- SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) is an initiative introduced by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is aimed at fostering women's involvement in science and technology research. Here are some noteworthy details about SERB-POWER that can be beneficial for UPSC:
- Launched in 2018, the SERB-POWER initiative received a total allocation of Rs. 50 crores.
- The primary objective of this initiative is to motivate and support women researchers in pursuing research and development activities in cutting-edge areas of science and engineering.
- Under this initiative, women scientists and engineers can apply for research grants of up to Rs. 60 lakhs for three years.
- Since its inception, more than 800 women researchers have been granted research funds through this initiative.
- Additional support is provided to women researchers, including travel grants, conference grants, and maternity leave provisions.
- Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in science or engineering to be eligible for the SERB-POWER initiative. It has a normal academic or research position in a recognized institution in India and should not have received any major research grant from any government funding agency in India.
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Concluding Remarks
Women are increasingly participating in science research, as evidenced by the recent nomination of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi as the first female director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Initiatives like SERB-POWER encourage women to participate in scientific and research endeavours actively.
Download the PDF on SERB-POWER Scheme notes for UPSC Exam here.
The Government of India has undertaken numerous programs to advance women in science – Such as Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (WISTEMM) program, and Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) Programme.
All of the programs work to increase the proportion of women who pursue careers in science, which is essential in the modern world.
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SERB-POWER Scheme - FAQs
When was the SERB-POWER Scheme Launched?
The SERB - POWER Scheme was launched on 29 October 2020.
What are the two components of the SERB-POWER Scheme?
The following two components are of SERB - POWER Scheme:i) SERB - POWER Fellowshipii) SERB - POWER Research grants
Is SERB a Statutory Body?
Yes, SERB is a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
What is the Full form of SERB-POWER?
Science and Engineering Research Board - Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research (SERB - Power).
Who can apply for SERB-POWER?
A citizen of India who has a degree in any branch of science and Engineering can apply for SERB - POWER.