DRDO(defence Research And Development Organization

[Guest]

<b>Women scientists' role is critical, says DRDO chief</b>

March 13, 2008

Bangalore, DHNS: Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief, M. Natarajan on Wednesday emphasised the need for women scientists to take up diversified activities to ensure the successful development of DRDO's critical products.

Delivering the inaugural address at a workshop on '50 years of DRDO : Women in Science, Engineering, Administration and Technology', Mr Natarajan said that the role of women scientists - who comprise 15 per cent of its workforce - was critical in the successful development of DRDO's products.

"We need a large number of dedicated people in diverse disciplines. Our women scientists can share the activities which include field activity, field trials and combat engineering," he said.

He added that it was a challenging decade for DRDO, as the public had a narrowing perspective about its activities, and that it was young scientists, especially women, to take up this challenge and ensure that the institution churns out its products.

"We are involved in an array of India-Specific tactical systems, ranging from radars to combat systems. <b>We are developing the Tejas which would be followed by the Fifth Generation Aircraft or even an Unmanned Combat Aircraft (UCA)</b>. It is important that every volunteer takes up the tasks," he added.

He also said that DRDO, in order to encourage it's scientists and to cover for the attrition rate, has evolved various policies, where married women can choose the job location of their convenience after their marriage. The DRDO also offers flexible work timings, he added.