New Science Policy: Proposal for 25 Percent Lateral Recruitment of Scientists Within Ministries
New Delhi, January 8, 2021: The new draft policy on science and technology proposes lateral recruitment of up to 25 percent of scientists in allied ministries. According to officials, the objective of this proposal is to attract specialists in the subject (field) in the concerned ministries to deal with issues related to emerging technology.
According to the draft Science and Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP), these scientists may have expertise in various fields, whether they are from autonomous institutions or private institutions.
The draft policy states that “Lateral recruitment of professionals and subject matter experts will be made for a limited period in all ministries related to science, where they will have comparative roles and responsibilities.”
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Ashutosh Sharma said that there is a need for experts in the ministries as science is progressing and new technology is emerging.
Ashutosh Sharma said, “When scientists are recruited in science-related ministries and departments, for a period, they are unable to practice science. Many times, an expert group from outside the ministry or department is formed for a particular area as per the need.”
Ashutosh Sharma said, “The purpose of the proposed lateral recruitment is to attract experts from the concerned field. So, they can spend more time in ministries and departments and dispose of subjects with their expertise.”
Advertisement is issued for the top post in science-related ministries and departments. However, if the draft policy is accepted, there will be a “Lateral entry” of experts for the middle level. Currently, subject matter experts can apply for positions in autonomous institutions of science-related ministries.
The Department of Science and Technology started the process of preparing STIP 2020 with the office of Principal Scientific Advisor last year. The policy was supposed to come by the end of 2020 but it was delayed a bit due to the coronavirus pandemic.
STIV Secretariat chief Akhilekh Gupta told reporters that states and overseas Indians were consulted for the first time to formulate science policy.
