New Delhi: A proposal on 'Operation of Distinguished Scientist (DS) positions in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)' in the pre-revised Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of Rs.24050-650-26000 by up-gradation of 30 existing posts of Group (IV) scientists was approved by the Union Cabinet today.

"By implementing this scheme, CSIR seeks to recruit for its national laboratories scientific leaders, nationally as well as from amongst Scientists and Technologists of Indian Origin (STIOs), with proven track records of managing very challenging National, and International scientific programmes", the Cabinet said.

Such leaders would spearhead strategically important programmes of CSIR and mentor young scientists to take on leadership roles.

"The need to induct 'Distinguished Scientist' (DS) position, a HAG+ grade position would help achieve CSIR's overarching ambition to excel in all scientific domains and to enable it to realize higher levels of productivity, compete in knowledge driven global economy, strengthen its scientific work force, and to check migration or attrition of scientists", the Cabinet added.

These positions are critical for CSIR which is set to create vibrant 'Centres of Excellence' around cutting edge of Science & Technology, to drive mega projects, and setup mission oriented programmes in various frontier R&D areas of Science & Technology.