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

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARREED QUESTION NO. 3459
TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.05.2007

ATTRITION OF SCIENTISTS

3459. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that there is steady attrition of scientists from Government to private sector;
(b) if so, whether Government are thinking of incentivising research productivity; and
(c) whether review of the efficacy of the existing arrangements that provide for handling consultancy projects and selling intellectual property rights, also be considered?

A N S W E R

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

(a) No Sir. However, there are sporadic cases of movement of scientists from Government Research Institutions to Private Sector, due to various reasons including better financial and career opportunities.
(b) & (c): Government from time to time have taken several measures to incentivise research productivity including handling of consultancy projects and selling intellectual property rights. These measures include:

• Provision of sharing the external earnings with the scientists or innovator and its periodic revision in terms of IPR, Contract Research & Consultancy.
  
• Increase in the outlay for science and technology sector in successive Five Year Plan.
  
• Induction of new and attractive fellowships
  
• 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.
  
• 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.