Lok Sabha Question No. 122 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-18
Subject: Indian Scientists Returning to India
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.122 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18/7/2018

## INDIAN SCIENTISTS RETURNING TO INDIA

## 122. SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO: DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

## Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ A´ÉÆ |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is a significant increase in number of Indian scientists returning to work in India during the last five years; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of scientists returning to India during the last three years; (c) whether  the  Government  has  formulated  schemes  to  provide  attractive  avenues  and  opportunities  to  Indian researchers who are residing in foreign countries to work in Indian Institutes and universities; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Government of India keeps track or estimates the number of Indian scientists who leave India to work in other countries; and (f) if so, the details of such tracking or estimation?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN) ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ A´ÉÆ |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

## (bÉ. c­ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)

(a) Yes Madam, there is an increase  in the number of Indian scientists returning to work in India during the last five Years.  To  attract  those  Indian  Scientists  Government  has  introduced  various  schemes  &  programmes.  Department  of Biotechnology (DBT) through Ramalingaswami re-entry Fellowship and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Department of Science and Technology (DST) through Ramanujan Fellowship, provides attractive avenue and opportunities to Indian Researchers of high calibre, who are residing in foreign countries, to work in Indian Institutes/Universities of their respective interest and domain. Under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Scheme of DST, which was initiated during FY 2011-12, for the young Indian citizens and people of Indian origin with PhD (in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture related subjects) from any recognized university in the world are offered contractual research positions in Indian Institutions / Universities to carry out independent research. (b) During  the  last  three  years  112  fellows  have  joined  in  various  institutes/  universities  across  the  country  under Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship scheme and 121 fellows through the Ramanujan Fellowship. Similarly, under INSPIRE Faculty  fellowship  scheme,  186  number  of  Indian  scientists  have  returned  to  work  in  India  from  foreign  institutions  and joined various institutes/universities across the country. (c)  &  (d):    Yes  Madam,  the  Ramalingaswami  Re-entry  Fellowship  was  conceived  in  the  year  2006-07  with  the  idea  of encouraging scientists (Indian Nationals) below the age of 45 years working outside the country, and who would like to return to the home country and pursue their research interests in Modern Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences and other related areas.  The principal objective of the scheme is to improve the country's human resource capacity in life sciences, modern biology and biotechnology research - both in terms of development, translation and diffusion by means of attracting young scientists settled abroad. Each fellow receives a fellowship amount of Rs 1,00,000/- (consolidated) per month with HRA @ Rs 18,500 /- pm and research / contingency grant of Rs.10, 00,000/- for 1 st & 2 nd year, Rs. 7, 50,000/- per annum for 3 rd & 4 th year and  Rs.5,  00,000/-  per  annum  for  5 th year.  The  amount  of  Rs.  50,000/-  per  annum  will  be  provided  as  institutional overhead.The fellows who are unable to seek permanent position during the tenure of fellowship are considered for another term on a fresh appraisal. The  Ramanujan Fellowship  of  SERB  -DST,  was  launched  during  FY  2005-2006  and  this  fellowship  is  aimed  for brilliant  scientists  and  engineers,  below  the  age  of  45  years,  from  all  over  the  world,  who  want  to  return  and  to  take  up scientific research positions in India, where the fellowship supporting for the duration of 5 years. The value of the fellowship is Rs.1,00,000/- along with Rs.18,500/- HRA per month. Each Fellow, in addition, receives a research grant of Rs.7.00 lakh per annum and the rupees of Rs. 60,000/annum is provided as institutional overhead to the Indian host institute. The INSPIRE Faculty Scheme of INSPIRE Program of DST, offers assured opportunity every year for about 200 no's in the age group of 27-32 years, through contractual and tenure track positions to doctoral students in both basic and applied sciences including engineering, agriculture, veterinary and medicine areas, for pursuing 5 years independent research activities at any recognized University/ academic Institutions/ Laboratories in the country. (e) No Madam. (f) Does not arise.

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