GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5199
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.05.2007

ATTRITION OF SCIENTISTS
5199. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that the scientists from best centres of research in the country are moving to lucrative position the private sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to check the scientists to stop the attrition of scientists?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. There are sporadic cases of movement of scientists from Government Research Institutions to Private Sector which is a global phenomena triggered by various factors including better financial and career opportunities.
(c) Government from time to time have taken several measures to stop the attrition of scientists in the scientific research institutes in the country. These measures include:

• Increase in the outlay for science and technology sector in successive Five Year Plan.
  
• Setting up of centres of excellence/advanced studies /incubation centres in the universities, academic institutions and laboratories.
  
• Creation of core groups of professionals with necessary modern facilities required for pursuing research in new and frontier areas of science.
  
• Creation of new scientific Departments/Organisations.
  
• Provision of sharing the external earnings with the scientists or innovator and its periodic revision in terms of IPR, Contract Research & Consultancy
  
• Induction of new and attractive fellowships
  
• S&T based training for entrepreneurial development.
  
• Manpower development training/re-training programmes through associateships/ fellowships.
  
• Invitation to distinguished men and women of Indian origin settled abroad for short term technical assignments to assist in frontier and emerging areas of S&T.
  
• Fast Track Scheme for Young Scientists.
  
• Better Opportunities for Young Scientists in Chosen Areas of Science and Technology (BOYSCAST) fellowship to visit international laboratories and institutions.
  
• Contact programmes to attract and motivate brilliant young scientists to take up R&D as a career.
  
• Scientists are given financial assistance to participate in international conferences and training programmes abroad.
  
• Early Faculty Induction Programme, which aims at attracting bright and young under-graduate students in Engineering and Technology/Pharmacy/Architecture, etc. to take as their career.