In a significant move to promote diversity and equity in India’s scientific landscape, a high-level meeting was convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss the operationalisation of the Inclusivity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) Self-Assessment and Reporting Framework (Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF). This initiative, led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), aims to address systemic gaps in India’s STEMM ecosystem, ensuring it reflects the country’s diverse demographic and socio-economic fabric.
Why Inclusivity in STEMM Matters
Driving Innovation Through Diversity
Inclusivity in STEMM is not just a moral obligation but a scientific and developmental necessity. Diverse perspectives foster innovation, produce more relevant research, and lead to equitable outcomes. In India, with its rich cultural and socio-economic diversity, building an inclusive STEMM ecosystem is both a challenge and an opportunity. The framework addresses critical aspects such as gender equity, socio-economic diversity, linguistic inclusivity, and epistemic diversity, ensuring that scientific progress is just, ethical, and accessible.
The Genesis of Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF
A Global Vision with Local Roots
The idea for the Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF was seeded during the 2023 G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable, where inclusivity in science and technology emerged as a core agenda. The global consensus highlighted the need to address systemic inequalities and promote plurality of knowledge. To align this vision with India’s unique socio-cultural context, a position paper was drafted, which evolved through extensive stakeholder consultations into the Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF. This framework is designed to provide a structured, measurable, and locally relevant approach to inclusivity.
Key Features of the Framework
A Tailored Approach to Inclusivity
Unlike a one-size-fits-all model, the Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF is tailored to India’s specific needs. It draws from global best practices while incorporating five key parameters:
- Social Inclusivity: Ensuring representation from diverse social groups.
- Geographical Inclusivity: Addressing regional disparities in STEMM access.
- Economic Inclusivity: Supporting underprivileged communities in STEMM education.
- Linguistic DS: Promoting diversity in data science and related fields.
- Epistemic Diversity: Encouraging varied perspectives in scientific research.
The framework enables institutions to assess their inclusivity practices, benchmark progress, and identify gaps, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
Implementation Strategy
Collaborative Efforts for Success
The meeting, chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, saw participation from key stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education (DHE), Capacity Building Commission (CBC), and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Key decisions included:
| Action Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Pilot Strategy | A pilot for the Self-Assessment and Reporting Framework will be developed with DHE. |
| Capacity Building | A module on inclusivity in STEMM will be co-developed with CBC. |
| Joint Working Group | A group comprising OPSA, DHE, CBC, and AICTE will oversee implementation. |
These steps aim to integrate inclusivity into the governance architecture of STEMM institutions, setting a benchmark for the Global South.
Key Highlights:
- The Inclusivity-STEMM-SARF was discussed on May 28, 2025, to promote diversity in India’s STEMM ecosystem.
- It addresses gender, socio-economic, linguistic, and epistemic diversity.
- The framework was inspired by the 2023 G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable.
- A pilot strategy and capacity-building module will be developed with DHE and CBC.
- A joint working group will coordinate efforts among OPSA, DHE, CBC, and AICTE.