Women Scientists Are Game Changers In Making New India: Dr Harsh Vardhan

"Women scientists would contribute significantly to the growth of the country. And they are the game changers driving science for making a new India,” said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology.

His remarks came during the recent India International Science Festival 2017 in Chennai. On this occasion, Dr Harsh Vardhan, inaugurated the Women Biotech Incubator at the Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women Society. The Women Biotech Incubator is a place to facilitate women in biotech.

The minister also released his book—'Genesis of Biotech Park'—alongside the inauguration.

Founder of Women Biotech Park, MS Swaminathan and M C Sampath, State Minister of Industry, Government of Tamil Nadu were also present on the occasion, reported BioSpectrum.

“Globally, there has been a special focus on addressing the issues related to Women in Science. In India, we have laid special emphasis on empowerment of women.”

Addressing the public on women’s empowerment, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “Globally, there has been a special focus on addressing the issues related to Women in Science and framing policies which support the same. In India, we have laid special emphasis on empowerment of women.”

He added, “Women have had a major presence in science and tech and entrepreneurship over the last 100 years. The DST and DBT have special schemes to attract women scientists and to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed women scientists. Women Entrepreneurship is a very important activity that has been growing rapidly in the last few years."

ALSO READ: Aardra Chandra Mouli On How It Feels To Run An All-Women Biochem Firm

He emphasized that the Biotech Park is a good example of central and state government partnership. Vardhan said with the state government's support, he will initiate more such programmes under Make in India and Startup India.

“A large number of Innovation schemes of the S&T Ministry being operated by DST and DBT and initiatives taken by BIRAC have today created a vibrant innovation ecosystem. It supports more than 1000 start-ups and nearly 200 Women Entrepreneurs. The Atal Innovation Mission also aims to promote the innovation ecosystem,” he said.