Lok Sabha Question No. 4002 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-23
Subject: Attrition of Scientists from ISRO
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: SURESH KODIKUNNIL

- a)
- b)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4002

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

## ATTRITION OF SCIENTISTS FROM ISRO

## 4002.

- SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the attrition rate of space scientists from ISRO and its  affiliated  organisations  is  on  the  rise  in  the  last  three years;
- (b) if so, the details of scientists and technocrats who have left ISRO  during  the  last  three  years  along  with  the  reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government intends to improve working conditions, salary and other facilities of scientists; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  other  steps  taken  by  the Government  for  promotion  of  space,  science/research  and welfare of its scientists?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- No Madam.
- The attrition of Scientists, on voluntary grounds, working in the laboratories of the Indian Space Research Organisation has been at a very low level in comparison to the authorised level  of  total  Scientists  /Engineers  /  Technologists.  During the  calendar  years  2012-2014,  the  attrition  of  Scientists/

Technocrats,  on  voluntary  grounds,  in  the  laboratories  of Indian Space Research Organisation has been recorded as under:

i. 2012 - 77

ii. 2013 - 46

iii. 2014 - 51

- c) Yes,  Madam.    As  a  part  of  the  decadal  exercise,  the Government has already appointed 7 th Central Pay Commission to review and recommend revision of pay and allowances, apart from many other related matters, for all its  employees  and  the  recommendations  have  been  in place.  With  regard  to  other  factors,  increased  technical challenges in realisation of high technology space projects, research opportunities in cutting edge technology areas and excellent  working  systems  in  the  Organisation,  ISRO  has been able to retain the talent and Scientists are committed to work and support the Indian Space Programme.
- d) The Department of Space has taken the following initiatives for promotion of Space Science / Research in the Country:
- i. One  time financial grant to set up  Space  Science laboratories in select eight Universities in the Country;
- ii. Offers specialised academic programmes at PG level at its academic institute, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
- iii. Introduced fellowship schemes for post graduate students pursuing space science and atmospheric research in eight Universities in the Country;
- iv. Introduction  of  research  fellowship  to  enable  scientists from universities and other academic  and  research
7. institutions to visit and conduct research work at national laboratories, academic/research institutions,
- v. Established Joint Astronomy Programme with participation of other research laboratories and academic institutions in organising research in astronomy area leading to award of Ph.D degree to young research students.
- vi. Developed  customized  academic  programme  in  Space Science area both at Undergraduate and Graduate level at IIST.
- vii. Provides research opportunity in Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) for young scientists to take up research in Space Science area leading to award of Ph.D degree in space science and atmospheric research areas through an academic institution.

For welfare of its scientists in the department,  DOS provides subsidised canteen food, transport facility, housing, medical and group insurance etc.

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