This scheme is focused on women as specific target group.

OBJECTIVES

• To promote research, development and adaptation of technology to improve the quality of life, workings conditions for women.

• To provide newer opportunities for gainful employment of women especially in rural areas

• To increase the contribution of women scientists to technology based development
  
     
              

PRIORITY AREAS

The following priority areas have been identified under the scheme:

• Specific science and technology application program to solve the problems of women in different regions such as hill, coastal and arid;
  Research and development on post-harvest technology and agricultural implements used by women to improve productivity and reduce drudgery;

• Improved practices for occupational health and enhanced production in technology areas where women form a majority of the stake holders  sericulture, aquaculture, etc;

• Research, development and demonstration program to minimize occupational hazards of women in domestic, agricultural and organized and non-organized industries;

• Design, fabrication and improvement of equipment, accessories, tools and machineries used by women in different occupations in formal and non-formal sectors;

• Up-gradation of traditional skills for utilization of available local resources and providing means for women to enter into the organized sector or for starting entrepreneurial production or service units.

• Enhancing capability of women in modern industries particularly in electrical and electronic technologies;

• Women's Health issues: - Nutrition, non communicable diseases, prevention strategies for communicable diseases; and
• Selective studies on issues concerning women scientists and engineers

  The following points are specifically assessed in proposals for women: -

• Strategies for linking gender issues and appropriate technology adoption.
• Replicability potential of the project.
• Stakeholders participation in formulating the proposal.

Other Gender Related Schemes/Award of SEED Programme:

1. Fellowship Scheme for Women Scientists for R&D and S&T Based Societal Interventions: This fellowship provides an opportunity for women scientists to re-enter into active research after a career break. The fellowship is available for carrying out innovative R&D having societal impact.

2. National Award for Women’s Development through Application of Science and Technology: This award has been instituted to recognize the contributions of individuals/institutions who have worked at the grass root level for women’s development through application of science and technology. Applications are invited once a year.