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

LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 29
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2010

SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED SCIENTISTS

*29. SHRI NISHIKANT DUBEY:
SHRI RAMESH RATHOD:

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

(a) whether there is a shortage of qualified scientists for research and development in the various research institutes/laboratories in the country;

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

(c) whether there is migration of these scientists to private sector;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to retain these scientists and also check migration of scientists from the country?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSION; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 29 FOR 24.02.2010 REGARDING "SHORTAGE OF SCIENTISTS"

(a) & (b): There is no shortage of qualified scientists for research and development at induction level in various research institutions and laboratories in the country. However, at senior level, with the setting up of large number of Science and Technology institutions of higher learning, shortage of scientists is experienced by some centres of excellence and institutions. Similar situation also exists in select and specialised fields of science and technology.

(c) & (d): No Madam. The migration of qualified scientists to private sector reported by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is limited to 5 out of about 4500 and Ministry of Earth Sciences is 5 out of about 250 during the last three years. Other Science and Technology departments have not reported any significant migration to private sector during the last three years.

(e) Government have taken several measures to attract scientists to undertake Research and Development activities in the country. These measures include induction of new and attractive fellowships such as Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), increase in the outlay for science and technology sector in successive Five Year Plans, setting up of centres of excellence/incubation centres in the universities, academic institutions and laboratories, setting up of new institutions of higher learning, better pay scales to scientists as per the 6th Pay Commission, creation of additional posts in Scientist 'H' grade in Science and Technology organisations, enhancement in the fellowship emoluments, promotion of university research and scientific excellence etc.