COAST urges PM's intervention in pay scales

Bangalore, Sep 21 (UNI) Confederation of Atomic and Space Scientists and Technologists (COAST) President S Joseph Winston today appealed to the Prime Minister to immediately intervene to check large-scale exodus of scientists by announcing separate pay scale for them.

Talking to UNI here, he claimed that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had committed a 'Technology Excellence Pay' equivalent to minimum of 40 per cent of scientists' basic pay in the VI Pay Commission as incentive and recognition of their commitment and sustained breakthroughs.

''But in reality there is no consideration in the implementation and scientists feel let down. Pay parity among comparable services like academia, research and civil services has been deteriorating against the interests of scientists working in Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Space (DOS),'' he alleged.

He claimed large-scale exodus was taking place and in Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) alone, 'more than 500 scientists had quit due to poor pay scale.' Mr Winston said in May, during a meeting, the Prime Minister, while complementing the Space and Nuclear Scientists for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of the country, had said 'no effort will be spared to attract and retain the best talent available in the country for developing indigenously higher-end technologies' and recommended to the Pay Commission for 40 per cent additional pay for scientists.

But it was not considered by the Commission due to unknown reasons, he claimed.

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