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

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3505
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23-12-2008
EXODUS OF SCIENTISTS TO OTHER PROFESSIONS

3505. SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:
SHRI SARVEY SATHYANARAYANA:

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

(a) whether huge exodus of scientists to other professions is taking place in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;

(c) the number of scientists who quit high positions in the Government during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;

(d) whether the number of students taking up pure sciences in higher education remain static at 1 per cent; and

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the measures taken/being taken by the Government to attract scientists in the Government job by giving them better remuneration/facilities?

ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): No Sir. There is no official record, centrally available, on the exodus of scientists to other professions.

(c) The number of Scientists quitting the Central Government Scientific Agencies/ Departments during the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are 437, 628, 632 and 239 respectively.

(d) No Sir. According to the latest official statistics, 22,55,230 students were enrolled in sciences in various universities and colleges during 2005-06 which constitutes 20.45% of the total enrolment in higher education.

(e) The Government have taken various measures from time to time to attract scientists in the Government Job. These measures include higher allocation for scientific research from Plan to Plan for setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships such as INSPIRE, BOYSCAST etc, strengthening infrastructure for R&D in universities, offering attractive salary packages along with incentives, national awards for outstanding R&D etc. Accordingly, the Government have enhanced XI plan allocation for Scientific Departments to Rs.75,304.00 crores from Rs. 25,301.35 crores during X Plan.