Funding Delays in DBT Biocare Programme for Women Scientists

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), part of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), launched the Biocare programme in 2011 to empower women scientists in India. However, significant funding delays have raised concerns among the newly selected candidates.

Overview of the DBT Biocare Programme

The Biocare programme aims to facilitate the career development of unemployed female scientists by providing them with extramural research funding, which is particularly crucial for those starting their research careers.

Eligible candidates can expect a grant of ₹60 lakh over three years, which includes a monthly salary of ₹75,000. Typically, around 50 women scientists benefit from this initiative annually, as noted in a response to the Rajya Sabha in March.

Current Situation

Despite being selected for the programme five months ago, none of the 75 chosen scientists have received their promised funds or salaries, affecting their ability to initiate their research projects. One researcher, who spoke anonymously, highlighted the frustration: “For the past five months, we have been writing to the DBT regarding the release of funds. Initially, we were told that this would be released within a month but now nobody is responding to our calls.”

Challenges Faced by Researchers

Under the funding conditions, candidates are restricted from securing additional research funds from other projects. The delay in disbursement has compelled some to give up prestigious opportunities, including international post-doctoral fellowships, leaving them in a difficult position.

Official Response and Future Prospects

In response to the situation, Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the DBT, assured that funds would be released “in the next 10 days.” Sources from the Science Ministry attribute the delay to a recent overhaul in the fund disbursal policy, initiated in November 2024. The new Treasury Single Account system aims to improve transparency by centralizing fund distribution through the Reserve Bank of India.

While this policy shift is intended to enhance accountability, its implementation has been sluggish. This has echoed similar concerns voiced earlier regarding delayed funding in other scholarship schemes, including the INSPIRE fellowships.

Conclusion

The funding delays in the DBT Biocare programme highlight substantial challenges for researchers eager to advance their careers. As the situation unfolds, the impacted scientists hope for a swift resolution and the timely release of much-needed funds to embark on their important research endeavors.