AI SummaryMobility Scheme supports women scientists facing professional challenges due to relocation by providing contractual research awards that enable them to continue their scientific work during personal transitions.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Mobility Scheme - Introduction
Mobility Scheme provides a dedicated platform to women scientists who face professional hurdles because of relocation. Whether the move is for marriage, a spouse's job transfer, caring for ailing parents, or supporting children's education in a different city, this scheme helps women stay connected to their research goals.
Launched under the Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Programme by the Department of Science & Technology, this scheme addresses the relocation issues of women scientists holding permanent positions in government organizations. It acts as a bridge, allowing women to keep an active research profile while managing domestic responsibilities. By offering a contractual research award, this scheme encourages independent research and helps women remain professionally engaged in a harmonious environment. The last call for proposals under this scheme closed in 2016, and no fresh call has been announced since.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Mobility Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Research & Development |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Science & Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India |
Benefits
Emoluments:
Awardees receive a consolidated monthly salary for the entire project duration. They are also eligible for need-based support for one manpower assistant. To support the research, the scheme provides a research grant of ₹5,00,000 per annum which covers consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment costs.
Duration:
The total tenure of this award is a maximum of five (5) years. This award is not renewable after the completion of the 5-year term.
Eligibility
The following criteria should be met to apply for this scheme:
- A woman scientist or academician currently holding a permanent position in a government institution, research lab, or university.
- Willingness to resign from the current permanent role or take a long-term leave of absence to pursue the fellowship, with the intent of returning to the parent organization later.
- The new place of residence should be located at least 500 km away from the present city.
- The applicant should be under the age of 50 years at the time of application.
For example, if a government researcher in Bengaluru must shift to Delhi for a spouse's work, she may apply under this scheme as the distance exceeds 500 km.
Application Process
The following steps were followed to apply for the scheme:
STEP 1 - Prepare a comprehensive research proposal based on the area of expertise.
STEP 2 - Download the prescribed application format from the official Department of Science & Technology website or the online DST portal.
STEP 3 - Compile five copies of the completed application, including all general information and the research proposal.
STEP 4 - Submit the documents via speed post to: Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.
Note: The envelope should be clearly superscribed with "Mobility Scheme".
Documents
The following documents were required for the application process:
- Identity proof
- Detailed research proposal
- Proof of current employment
- Proof of relocation
- Academic and professional certificates
- Age proof
- Active bank account details
- Any other supporting documents requested by the department
References
View WISE-KIRAN Programme Details
FAQ's
What is the primary aim of this scheme?
Mobility Scheme was designed to provide continuous professional opportunities to women scientists who face career disruptions due to personal relocation.
Who was eligible to apply for this scheme?
Women scientists or academicians holding permanent positions in government institutions, research labs, or universities who were willing to resign or take long-term leave to use this fellowship were eligible.
What reasons qualified for relocation?
Relocation due to marriage, a spouse's job transfer within the country, caregiving for ailing parents, or supporting children's education in a different city were considered valid reasons.
What was the maximum duration of this fellowship?
The total tenure allowed under this award was a maximum of five years.
What financial support was provided?
Awardees received a consolidated monthly salary for the project period. They also got a research grant of ₹5,00,000 per annum covering items like consumables, travel, and minor equipment.
Was support for hiring manpower available?
Yes, the scheme provided need-based support to hire one research assistant or manpower personnel.
Could a woman return to her parent organization after the fellowship?
Yes, there was an option to rejoin the parent organization after completing the fellowship tenure.
Were there location restrictions for the new workplace?
Yes, the new workplace had to be situated more than 500 km away from the current city of residence.
What was the age limit for applying?
Applicants had to be 50 years of age or younger to be eligible for this scheme.
How was the application submitted?
Applicants had to prepare a research proposal and submit five hard copies of the application by speed post to the designated Department of Science & Technology address.
Where could the application template be found?
The official application format was available for download on the Department of Science & Technology website.
Could women in private sector institutions apply?
No, this scheme was strictly limited to women scientists employed in permanent roles within government institutions, research labs, or universities.