Government Scheme to Attract Indian-Origin STEM Faculty

A recent report highlights the government’s initiative to attract Indian-origin faculty in STEM from abroad, leveraging changes in US policies under the Trump administration to strengthen India's research ecosystem.

Incentives and Challenges

• Incentives: 
  • Positions in premier institutions like IITs.
  • Substantial set-up grants for research infrastructure.
  • Long-term engagement compared to previous short-term schemes.
• Challenges: 
  • Bureaucratic hurdles in procurement and administration.
  • Cultural adjustment to Indian institutions.
  • Lower salary scales and living conditions in India compared to the US.
  • Impact on existing staff morale due to differential treatment.

International Comparisons

• China's Thousand Talents Plan: 
  • Offers lavish grants, housing, and easier visa processes.
  • Faced with similar issues of resentment among local scientists.
  • Higher number of world-class institutions and greater R&D spending (2.7% of GDP) compared to India (0.65%).

Recommendations for India

• Increase R&D spending significantly.
• Implement "ease-of-doing-research" regulations.
• Expand and improve scientific institutions, especially universities.
• Commit to long-term funding for scientific research.

These steps, if implemented, could make India an attractive destination for returning NRI scientists and bolster its position as a scientific powerhouse.