SERB-POWER Scheme

In India, the SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The primary goal of this initiative is to address gender disparities in scientific and engineering research funding in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.

The goals of the SERB-POWER programme and its relevance in the sphere of research and development for women scientists will be discussed in depth in this article. Various such women empowerment programmes in India have been created in recent years; you may learn more about them by visiting the linked article.

SERB-POWER Scheme UPSC Notes:-Download PDF Here

About SERB-POWER Scheme

The Scientific and Engineering Research Board (SERB) created the Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research (POWER) programme, dubbed SERB-POWER, to address gender disparities in science and engineering research.
It was founded on an online platform with the goal of empowering women in science, technology, and engineering.
The scheme is made up of two parts: Fellowships and Research Grants
It will inspire more women to pursue careers in science and create a more welcoming environment for women in research and academic organisations.
The programme also intends to increase the number of women on decision-making panels and elevate women to positions of leadership.

Visit the List of Government Schemes in India and get a comprehensive list of initiatives and projects launched by the Government for the betterment of people in the country. 

Components of SERB-POWER

With the support of this initiative, the Science and Engineering Research Board hopes to establish a financial environment that will empower female researchers. Two primary components of the strategy are required to attain this purpose. This includes the following:

• SERB-POWER Fellowship
  • Target: Women researchers between the age of 35-55 years and up to 25 fellowships every year. Also, not more than 75 fellowships can be given at any point of time
  • Components of Support: Fellowship worth 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, without a possibility of extension
• SERB-POWER Research Grants – The funding for women-led projects will be done on the basis of two level:
  • Level I: The scale of funding is upto 60 Lakhs for three years. This is applicable for candidates from Government Institutes, National Labs of these Institutes, IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, etc.  
  • Level II: The scale of funding is upto 30 Lakhs for three years. This is applicable for candidates studying in private of State Universities/Colleges

Eligibility to apply for Research Grants and Fellowship under SERB-POWER

Government officials have established a set of qualifying requirements. Only women researchers who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for grants and fellowships:

• Applicants must be citizens of India.
• A regular academic/research post at any recognised academic institution is required of the applicant.
• The SERB-CRG standards will govern the terms of reference for Grants.
• Women scientists cannot hold both a Power Fellowship and a Power Grant at the same time.
• Faculty who have been hired through the University of Georgia's Faculty Recharge Program are likewise eligible to apply.

About Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)

• It is a statutory body that was founded by a Parliamentary Act: Government of India, SERB Act 2008
• The organization's goal is to improve science and engineering in India so that it can make a significant contribution to the country's economic progress.
• It is India's primary research financing organisation.
• Identifying and investigating the important development and research areas
• Maintaining a disciplinary connection between academic institutions, research laboratories, and industry in order to promote Science and Technology
• Keeping track of the progress and implementation of numerous research initiatives.

Significance of SERB-POWER

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) hopes to attract more female scientists to the field of research and engineering by implementing this programme.

One of the most important aspects of the SERB-POWER programme is that it would promote a gender-balanced workplace and a women-friendly culture.

It will also enable female scientists to develop leadership skills and collaborate with decision-making authorities.