Allowances raised for scientists in Space, Atomic Energy

New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) The Government today raised the professional allowances for scientists and engineers in the Departments of Space and Atomic Energy, besides enhancing housing facilities for them.

It has also been decided to reward excellence in work by instituting awards, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that took the decision.

Scientists and engineers in the pay scales of Rs 7450-11500 to Rs 12000-16500 will get professional allowance of Rs 10,000 per annum instead of Rs 5,000 per annum; those in the pay scales of Rs 14300-18300 to Rs 18400-22400 will get Rs 20,000 per annum; and those in the scales of Rs 18400-22400 (with special pay of Rs 2,000) to Rs 24050-26000 and Rs 26000 will get Rs 30,000 per annum.

Pay anomaly has also been removed by granting two increments to scientists and engineers on promotion to the scale of Rs 18400-22400.

''The approved career attractions will benefit the Departments of Space and Atomic Energy to attract and thereafter retain scientists and engineers,'' Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI