Encouraging Indian Researchers' Return

The recent parliamentary discussion led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, elucidated the Indian government’s initiatives to bolster research and development (R&D) and mitigate brain drain within the STEM fields. Here is a comprehensive summary of the key points raised:

• Objective of Government Initiatives:

  • The government is focusing on curbing migration of researchers by enhancing R&D opportunities in India to retain and attract top-tier scientific talent.

• Current Status of Brain Drain:

  • Despite global trends in STEM migration, the government asserts that there hasn't been a notable brain drain adversely affecting India's Science and Technology development.

• Key Government Initiatives:

  • Fellowships and Programs: Various fellowship programs are implemented to attract Indian researchers back from abroad:
    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation - Ramanujan Fellowship: Over the last five years, around 550 researchers have returned to India under this initiative.
    • DBT-Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship: Initiated in 2007, this program has supported approximately 627 candidates.
    • DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Also aimed at returning scientists.

• VAJRA Faculty Program:

  • Although not designed for permanent return, this initiative engages non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs), facilitating their contribution to Indian academic and research institutions through collaborative opportunities.

• Support for Young Researchers:

  • The Ministry of Science and Technology has implemented multiple funding schemes from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT), including:
    • High-stakes technology missions
    • Fellowship schemes including those from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
    • Infrastructure improvement programs like the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructures in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (FIST)

• Fellowship with Global Connection:

  • The VaishvikBhartiyaVaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowship program promotes partnerships between the Indian STEMM diaspora and domestic institutions, fostering collaborative research and exchange of knowledge in cutting-edge scientific areas.

• Recruitment and Retention Strategies:

  • The introduction of the Flexible Complementing Scheme and the Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) aims to enhance recruitment and retention of scientific talent.

• Establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):

  • The ANRF, enacted through the ANRF Act 2023, aims to provide strategic direction and support in R&D across different scientific fields, marking a pivotal development in India's technological leadership.

• Postdoctoral Opportunities:

  • A variety of fellowships for postdoctoral researchers have been established, including the ANRF-National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF), CSIR-Postdoctoral Fellowships, and other notable programs that also provide financial support in the form of research grants and annual contingencies.

• Ministerial Statement:

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh provided this information in a written response in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s comprehensive strategy to retain and enhance the scientific workforce within India.

In conclusion, the government's multifaceted approach seeks not only to retain the domestic scientific talent but also to bring back leading scientists by creating an engaging and supportive research environment within the country.

Important Points:

• Government initiatives aim to retain and attract STEM researchers.
• No significant brain drain impacting S&T development in India.
• Key fellowship programs include Ramanujan Fellowship, DBT-Ramalingaswami, and DST-INSPIRE.
• VAJRA program encourages contributions from NRIs and PIOs without permanent immigration facilitation.
• Support for young researchers through varied funding and infrastructure enhancement.
• ANRF Act 2023 establishes a strategic direction for R&D.
• Multiple postdoctoral fellowships with financial support available.
• Statement delivered in the Rajya Sabha by Dr. Jitendra Singh.