Muzaffarpur, April 6: Women keen to revive their career in academics after a break have reasons to cheer. They can now pursue PhD in science from the institution of their choice. Better still, they will get scholarships.

The ministry of science and technology of the central government has introduced the Women Scientists Scheme in the botany department of Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, in January this year. The varsity is the first institution in the state to offer the scheme.

The Union ministry has introduced the scheme to encourage women to return to studies and excel in their career.

The scheme would enable women to revive their professional pursuits by returning to the mainstream. The women scientists would be provided flexibility to undertake research at suitable institutions. Financial assistance in the form of annual grants would be provided to the women selected to carry out their research work under the scheme.

A special provision has been made under the scheme to encourage the selected women scientists who have had a break in their career. The department officials said the financial assistance would provide a renewed launch pad to women up to the age of 50 years.

Co-ordinator of the science and technology department Santosh Kumar, who is also a faculty member of the postgraduate department of botany of the university, told The Telegraph: “The women can pursue research work in physical science, chemical science, mathematical science, life science, earth science, atmospheric science and engineering science under the scheme. A team of experts from New Delhi is likely to visit the botany department on April 18 for screening pre-proposal presentation of women researchers as well as to sensitise women about the scheme.”

The university authorities said they have received 65 applications for the scholarship. The selection of the applicants would be made on the basis of presentations they make.

The girls expressed their satisfaction at the move of the central government.

Anita Kumari, a PhD in zoology from the university, said: “If I get the scholarship, it would be like a renewed opportunity to continue with my post-doctoral research. After marriage, I had lost touch with my subject. This is a golden chance for me to make a comeback.”