Question : Shortage of Scientists

(a) whether shortage of skilled scientists in various regional offices of the Ministry and inadequate monitoring of projects has come to the notice of the Government and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether against the forty one sanctioned posts of scientists in regional offices merely fifteen posts are filled at present;
(c) if so, whether the scientists are looking after more than the fixed number of forest projects assigned to them and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the remedial steps being taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government in this regard ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a), (b), (c) and (d): There are 99 sanctioned posts of Scientists in various grades in the Ministry, out of which 84 posts are filled up at present. Pre-appointment formalities in respect of three posts have already been initiated while the recruitment process in respect of the remaining 12 posts has also started. These Scientists are deployed in various Divisions/ Offices, including Regional Offices, depending upon functional requirements so that work is not hampered.

Ministry takes all necessary steps to monitor the projects under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As against a target of 1200 projects for the year 2017-18, a total of 966 projects have been monitored upto 30/11/2017 for follow up implementation of conditions and safeguards laid down for projects/ activities under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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