Scheme gives opportunities to women scientists: Jyoti Sharma

The KIRAN scheme initiated during the 12th Plan provides opportunities to women scientists to re-enter and continue working in science and technology fields of their choice, Jyoti Sharma of the Department of Science and Technology said here today.
She was delivering the key note address at the Women's Science Congress at the 102nd Indian Science Congress held at University of Mumbai.
Sharma spoke about the impact of technological developments on women and society, and focused on different schemes of the Department to enhance the number of women pursuing a career in science and technology.
She recommended that the age for faculty awards should be increased from 32 to 35 years and some post-retirement schemes should be initiated.

The key note address was followed by a session by Professor Amita Das at the Institute of Plasma Research, Gandhinagar.
She spoke about plasma as a complex inter-disciplinary medium and its application in different fields like radiation source, waste treatment, surface engineering and textile technology.

She detailed its application in table top plasma-based accelerators.
Delegates across the country presented their views on issues concerning women and education.
The second theme of the Women's Science Congress was environmental conservation, environmental hazards, as well as understanding weather, climate and natural hazards.
Women Science Congress convener Madhuri Pejaver said, "It is the fourth year of the Women Science Congress, which was started in 2011".