Q. No. 327 Resignation of scientists from DRDO

Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether a significant number of scientists have resigned from their posts in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during the last five years;

(b) if so, the year-wise and post-wise details thereof;

(c) whether low emoluments in DRDO are the reasons for their resignation; and

(d) if so, what corrective steps are taken / proposed to be taken by Government to persuade the scientists not to resign?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED Q. No.. 327 FOR 20.3.2013 REGARDING RESIGNATION OF SCIENTISTS FROM DRDO.

A total of 443 scientists have resiged from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during the last five years i.e. 2008 – 2012.

The year-wise and post-wise details of resignations are given below:-

Scientists who had resigned have indicated their personal / domestic grounds as the reasons for leaving DRDO. However, it is assumed that increased opportunities / incentives available elsewhere is the likely reason of such resignations.

The following incentives have been granted as corrective measures:

• Two additional increments on promotion to each Grade.
• Up to six variable increments on promotions granted on fast track.
• Professional Update Allowance to all scientists.
• Opportunity to acquire higher qualifications at reputed institutes viz. IIT’s / IISc, etc. as DRDO sponsored candidates.
• Young Scientists, Scientist of the Year and other DRDO Awards in recognition of their contributions, etc.
• Excellent infrastructure facilities have been created at work places and also at residential complexes.

Government is also making all efforts to grant Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) to DRDO scientists at par with scientists of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).