New Delhi, March 9 (IANS): Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Monday said she would do her best to ensure that women in the country get maximum opportunities to pursue technical education.

Speaking at the national workshop on "Women innovators for excellence in research and science", Irani said she was "concerned" about the dwindling numbers of women researchers and scientists in the country.

"My concern is the falling number of women in the field of research in the country," said Irani at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters here, while proposing to meet women scientists of DRDO to understand their needs and help them achieve their goals.

"This year we will launch the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (national innovation initiative) and under it women will be given special impetus," she said.

The minister added that a crucial factor that led to the situation was the lack of primary education for the girl child.

"I will do the best I can so that women get maximum opportunities (to pursue technical education)," she said.