Lok Sabha Question No. 5275 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-04-05
Subject: Policies Pertaining to BARC
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, PARASURAMAN K., Shrirang Appa Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5275

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.04.2017

## POLICIES PERTAINING TO BARC

5275.  SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO: SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE: SHRI K. PARASURAMAN: SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the contribution of Bhabha  Atomic  Research  Centre  (BARC)  towards  the research and development of different technologies in the country;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognizance  of  alleged  unworthiness  and poor  performance  of  scientists  and  engineers  in  higher  echelons  in  BARC  and if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  therefor  along  with  the  steps  taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) the  policies  laid  down  by  the  Government  to  ensure  better  opportunity  and career progression for qualified and meritorious scientists and engineers along with the time by which the said policies are likely to be implemented;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  complaints  regarding  malpractices and  resentment  in  the  working  of  BARC  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) whether  the  BARC  is  facing  shortage  of  engineers/scientists/physicists  around its  different  centres  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof,  centre-wise  and  the  steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  &  PENSIONS  AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is a  multi-disciplinary Nuclear Research Centre of India having excellent infrastructure for advanced Research and Development (R&D) with  expertise  covering  the  entire  spectrum  of  Nuclear  Science  and  Engineering  and related areas. A large amount of work involves design, development and deployment of various advanced technologies, operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities resulting in tangible benefits for common man and  the nation. The areas of R&D include Physical sciences, Chemical sciences, Bio-sciences, Agriculture, Food  Preservation,  Water Desalination  and  Water  Purification,  Nuclear  Reactor  Technologies,  Reprocessing  and Waste Management, etc. All the programmes being pursued have a strong linkage to the programme of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

- (b) Scientists of DAE have contributed significantly to various areas of Nuclear Engineering and Allied Sciences covering strategic, societal, power and basic science related areas. In addition to the contributions of BARC scientists to various projects covering the above domain, DAE Scientists & engineers have published extensively in reputed international journals. A total of 4369 papers have been published in the last five years. In addition, several senior scientists of DAE have been conferred prestigious awards viz. (a) Shanti Swaroop  Bhatnagar  Awards,(b)  Fellows  of  the  World  Academy  of  Sciences  (Trieste, Italy),(c)  Fellows of Indian National Science Academy (New Delhi),(d) Fellows of Indian Academy Sciences (Bengaluru),(e) Fellows of National Academy Sciences (Allahabad),(f) INSA Young Scientist Awardees and (g) Padmashri Award. Hence, there is no truth in any  allegations  of  unworthiness  and  poor  performance  of  scientists  and  engineers  in higher echelons in BARC.
- (c) BARC training school established in 1957 under the DAE has been recruiting and training Nuclear Engineers and Scientists. Under the BARC training school, two flagship training schemes viz. Orientation Course for Engineering graduates and Science postgraduates (OCES)  and  DAE  Graduate  Fellowship  Scheme  (DGFS)  are  conducted  to  provide manpower to various DAE units across the country. After one year of training, the trainees are absorbed in the grade of Scientific Officer/C in various units under the department. These schemes provide rigorous comprehensive training to all the trainees so that they can  undertake  challenging  assignments  in  R&D,  Design,  Engineering,  Installation, Construction  &  Commissioning,  Operation  &  Maintenance,  and  Safety  of  Nuclear installations.  On  an  average,  220  Engineers  and  Scientists  are  recruited  through  the multi-  centered  BARC  training  school  every  year.  So  far,  almost  9000  Engineers  & Scientists  have graduated from the BARC training school since its inception and many have held important positions in the Department.

The  DAE  follows  Merit  Promotion  Scheme  for  its  entire  scientific  staff,  which  rewards them with time bound promotions. The Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) is also granted to scientific personnel for timely completion of major activities related to DAE programmes. Through the DAE award scheme, young scientists/engineers are rewarded for their exceptional contribution to the activities of the department. The award includes cash incentive, medal  and  a citation.DAE provides excellent infrastructure to its employees by way of safe working environment, Contributory Health Service Schemes(CHSS)  medical facilities, recreational and educational facilities for the employees and wards.

- (d) Complaints, resentments and / or suggestions are addressed appropriately.
- (e) No, Sir.

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