A recent report on public-funded R&D institutions in India shows a decrease in permanent scientific staff in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.
The number of organizations hiring permanent staff also dropped, with more positions being filled by contractual staff, whose numbers rose by 14%.
Contractual staff outnumber permanent staff in many scientific institutions, raising concerns about long-term stability and research quality.
The study excluded strategic sectors like defense, atomic energy, and space, which consume most of India’s R&D budget.
At the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), nearly 60% of sanctioned scientific posts are vacant, a trend seen at other key research institutions as well.
Despite the government’s focus on quantum computing, AI development, and industry-specific research, the lack of full-time scientists and proper infrastructure may hinder progress.
India must improve conditions for researchers, including better salaries, funding, and research equipment, to retain talent and foster innovation.
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