A scheme by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to woo non-resident Indian (NRI) scientists appears to have backfired with an offer made to a researcher being withdrawn, a move that raises questions over the programme.
The CSIR had offered the position of Outstanding Scientist to V. A. Shiva Ayyadurai, a Fulbright scholar pursuing research in Chennai, to explore commercialisation of CSIR technologies.
A letter offering the post of Outstanding Scientist, in the rank of Additional Secretary, to Ayyadurai was withdrawn as there was no response from him on accepting it, said Samir Brahmachari, Director General CSIR.
Ayyadurai was offered the post under the Scientist Technologist of Indian Origin, wherein CSIR plans to get back NRI scientists to spur research in the country.
He was engaged by CSIR as Business Consultant in July till the formalities of his appointment as Outstanding Scientist were completed.
However, Brahmachari said that Ayyadurai’s services were discontinued after an internal review of his performance.
Ayyadurai claimed at a press conference here that his removal was a reaction to his report on “leadership issues” in CSIR and has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard.
Media reports said that Ayyadurai was shown the door after he had made demands for high remuneration.
