Question : SCIENTISTS OF INDIAN ORIGIN .

(a) Whether National Association of Software and Science Companies (NASSCOM) has conducted a study on the I.T. professionals returning to the country in large numbers during last three years;

(b) If so, the finding of the study;

(c) Whether several scientists of Indian origin are also returning to the country from U.S.A., Germany, U.K., etc.

(d) If so, the number of such scientists who have returned during each of the last three years;

(e) The steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure that scientists are given all the incentives to pursue their research in the country; and

(e) The amount provided for this purpose during the last three years and in this financial year?

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) National Association of Software and Science Companies (NASSCOM) has not conducted any specific study on the IT professionals returning to the country in large numbers during last three years. However NASSCOM has estimated that approximately 20,000 Information Technology (IT) professionals working overseas on short-term/long-term assignments have taken up employment with IT firms in India.

(b) Considering that NASSCOM has not undertaken any study, the information for part (b) is nil.

(c) & (d): No comprehensive database (including year-wise breakdown) is being maintained by Government of India on Scientists of Indian Origin returning to the country.

(e) & (f): Efforts are on for connecting Scientists of Indian Origin to home country `s scientific institutions and/or to research and teaching programs by way of:


(i) Fellowship (Ramanujan Fellowship for upto 5 years carrying a stipend and contingency grant),

(ii) Collaborative project based visits into India (CP-STIO Program for upto 3 years with one visit /year for period of 2-12 week carrying funding for return travel and honorarium by Govt. and accommodation and local travel by Indian beneficiary host institution) ,

(iii) Temporary placements in India at universities, institutes of higher learning, national labs, R&D organizations, central and state government ,public sector undertaking and state council of science and technology

(SRA ship-Scientists Pool Scheme) - (for upto 3 years only with funding towards basic pay and other allowances except local transport in line with admissibility of local employees)

(iv) Empanelment for utilizing their services ,