(a) whether the research unit of the Department has a `Catch Them Young` programme or any such programme to attract the students with potential in the field of atomic energy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the manner in which the Government proposes to engage with younger scientists and Non-Governmental persons in developing advanced technology?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY) :

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) There are several schemes operational to attract the students with potential to work in the field of atomic energy. The following are the entry channels available for the recruitment of young talented students to join the R&D units for taking up research careers in the field of atomic energy:

(i) Orientation Course in Engineering & Sciences (OCES).

(ii) DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS).

(iii) Dr. K.S. Krishnan Research Associate Scheme (KSKRAS).

(iv) Tie-up with Mumbai University to establish DAE – Mumbai University Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (DAE-MU-CBS).

(v) National Institute for Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Fresh young science and engineering students undergo one year training in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Training School and are recruited as Scientific Officers in DAE thereafter. After joining the Department, they are allowed to continue to do project work for fulfilling the requirements for the award of M.Tech. degree of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a deemed to be university. The DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS) also provides fellowship to engineering graduates who have secured admission to M.Tech. programme to study in IIT/IISc. / other select premier engineering institutes. DGFS fellows are subsequently recruited as Scientific Officers in DAE. Similarly doctoral students are selected as KSKRA fellows who, after completion of one year of fellowship, are considered for absorption in DAE as Scientific Officers. All the Scientific Officers joining BARC are required to work on topics related to departmental programme on nuclear science and technology and thus contribute towards development of advanced technologies.

The five year integrated M.Sc. programme conducted by the DAE-MU-CBS in Mumbai and National Institute for Science, Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar, offers academic programme which are useful in nurturing the students and provide them exposure to the DAE research facilities and programmes. These students are given opportunity to work on the advanced areas in nuclear science and technology and thus also contribute for the development of advanced technologies.