Govt. Launches VAJRA Faculty Scheme; NRI Scientists to Visit India for Teaching & Research

The Government launched the VAJRA Scheme on Thursday, June 22, 2017, in order to prevent brain-drain and invite talented scientist to work in the country. The scheme will enable non-resident Indian scientists to work in Indian institutes.

The Government of India has decided that these individuals will be allowed to work for up to three months under any Institute in India.

VAJRA or the Visiting Advanced Joint Research faculty scheme will also be a means to improve the student-faculty ratio at the top Indian institutes.

The aim of the scheme is to invite foreign academicians and scientists, especially individuals of Indian origin, to take up roles of adjunct faculty in centrally-funded education and research institutions.

Harsh Vardhan, Union Science and Technology Minister, talked about the scheme and said that the scientists visiting under the VAJRA programme will be offered USD 15,000 as salary in the first month, whereas, USD 10,000 per month will be given for the remaining tenure.

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He further added that Indian scientists who are currently working abroad are optimistic about the new scheme started by the government. They are assured that they will be offered top class facilities and research-friendly environment, the minister stated.

The Government has also announced the number of scientists that will be invited under the VAJRA scheme. It is estimated that a 1,000 NRI and foreign scientists will be visiting the country.

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To encourage individuals, the government also awards the five-year Ramanujan Fellowship to Indian doctors and students who are working abroad.