GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4507
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.12.2005

AWARDS FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

4507. SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI:

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

(a) whether the Government has proposals to institute special annual awards for young scientists and technocrats falling under particular age groups;
(b) whether for institution of such award Government is acting upon any recommendations of a committee set up for this purpose; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (c): No, Sir. However, the Government in order to promote and improve the science & technology research in the country has instituted several prestigious national fellowships / awards for scientists including young scientists. These include 'Ramanujan Fellowships' to attract brilliant scientists from all over the world, 'JC Bose Fellowships' to recognize active scientists who have a proven outstanding track record, 'Ramanna Fellowship': aimed to support outstanding performers on continuous basis, 'Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowships': targeted at post-graduate talented students, "CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Awards": for Innovators for developing technology of the highest benchmarks of competitiveness and excellence and for inventions of school students, "Women Scientists Scheme": instituted to provide opportunities to women scientists, Indian National Science Academy and Indian Academy of Sciences Young Scientist's/ Young Associateship Awards 'Swarnajayanti Fellowships': for outstanding young scientists, Postdoctoral fellowship in Biotechnology, Bioscience Awards for career development, CSIR Young Scientist's Award etc. All these initiatives are aimed at providing encouragement to young scientists to pursue S&T research in the country.