Jammu, Feb 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday said that the women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir was the prime objective of the government which was also bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 3-day ‘J&K Women Science Congress 2024’ at the University of Jammu (JU), the LG commended the unique initiative by JU and J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council for transforming the leadership trajectory for women in science, technology and innovation.
He highlighted the consistent efforts of the J&K administration to bridge the gender gap at all levels of STEM disciplines in J&K.
“Today, I am happy to see our daughters are driving innovation and change,” LG Sinha said. “We are proud of women scientists and tech leaders. From space to Artificial Intelligence (AI), from entrepreneurship to healthcare, from education to innovation, from agriculture to research, the Nari Shakti is breaking barriers and inspiring the new generation.”
He directed the educational institutions and departments to make policy interventions to further increase women’s participation in science and allied disciplines.
“I strongly believe the active participation of women in science, technology, and research can build India as a global innovation powerhouse. Women-led development in J&K is our prime objective. It is our collective responsibility to achieve this goal,” the LG said.
He impressed upon the universities and different stakeholders to take prominent writers and filmmakers on board for publications and films dedicated to women scientists and innovators of J&K.
“Increased female participation in PhD courses and special research projects in science and technology should be ensured, besides necessary financial and technical resource support must be extended to women scientists associated with STEM disciplines,” LG Sinha said.
He instructed the J&K Science and Technology Department to establish a special cell integrated with the women’s entrepreneurship platform of NITI Aayog.
The LG appreciated the efforts of JU for promoting research and innovation in diverse fields.
He also released the abstract booklet on the J&K Women Science Congress 2024.
Vice Chancellor of JU, Prof Umesh Rai; Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, Prof Vibha Tandon; and Convener of J&K Women Science Congress, Prof Anju Bhasin were also present on the occasion.