Context: A new draft policy on science and technology proposes that at least 30% representation be ensured for women in all decision-making bodies as well as “spousal benefits” be provided to partners of scientists belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
Major Highlights

• There will be equal opportunity in academics for women, along with candidates from rural and remote areas, marginalised communities, differently-abled groups, irrespective of their caste/creed/religion/race.
• The LGBTQ+ community should be included in all conversations related to gender equity, and provisions be made to safeguard their rights and promote their representation and retention in the science and technology sector.
• Partners of people from the LGBTQ+ community working in the sector be entitled to spousal benefits irrespective of their gender.

The Draft policy includes

• The main focus areas in the policy will be Women and the Youth.
• Age-related cut-offs in matters relating to selection, promotion, awards or grants, the academic age and not the biological age would be considered.
• There is also proposal for removal of bars on married couples being employed in the same department or laboratory.
• Dual recruitment policy will be encouraged in all governing bodies, funding agencies, so that couples do not face the challenge of ‘choosing’ a spouse’s career over theirs, with the aim to bring gender neutrality through such interventions.
• Child-care benefits are proposed to be made gender-neutral, and flexible work timings and adequate parental leave are to be offered to cater to.
• All publicly-funded research institutions and universities will be asked to provide day maternity, childbirth and child care -care centre for children of employees, and also have a provision for elderly care.
• To support people with disabilities’ inclusion, the policy asks all publicly-funded scientific institutions to make “structural and cultural changes”.
• Academic and professional organisations will be encouraged to conduct gender audits and social audits.
• These processes will have adequate representations from all marginalised and excluded groups.

Also Read: https://abhipedia.abhimanu.com/Article/IAS/MjQ3MzEw/-One-Nation--One-Subscription--policy-Science-Affairs-IAS