NEW DELHI: Since 2009, every year around 70 scientists have left the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Here’s why: many of the top scientists are grossly underemployed.
For instance, a chemical engineer from IIT, who trained in the US, is now responsible for maintenance of the campus. Similarly, a PhD in physics is looking after the stores of a Delhi-based laboratory. An instrumental engineer is currently in charge of security and an engineer in paint technology is in charge of a canteen facility.
Insiders claim that nearly 30 per cent of the country’s scientists are engaged in ‘sundry jobs’ in 55 DRDO labs. “Using scientific asset of the country for such miscellaneous jobs is like killing their talent. And professional dissatisfaction is one of the main reasons for brain drain, as over 400 scientists from DRDO have resigned in the past six years. Non-conducive work environment could also be the reason for the exodus,” said a source.
This diversion of talent can seriously affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of self-reliance in the defence sector through Make in India, especially when several defence projects have seen delays and cost overruns. Recently, the PMO earmarked nine key projects on which the government has already spent `16,708 crore, but which are still far from being completed.
It is notable that the DRDO has just raised concern on shortage of its scientific assets and asked for additional 1,260 vacancies. Presently, the DRDO has a strength of over 7,000 scientists.
When contacted, a DRDO official said scientists were being given sundry jobs due to the shortage of administrative personnel.
Mismatched
■ IITian chemical engineer does campus maintenance; PhD in physics looks after stores of a lab
■ 30% scientists in ‘sundry jobs’ in 55 DRDO labs
■ Over 400 scientists have resigned in the past six years