May look at lateral entry for state science secys

Amid a shortage of skilled manpower in state science and technology (S&T) councils, Union minister Jitendra Singh called for lateral entry for science secretaries in states, indicating that the current crop of the highest-level science officials across States are not particularly motivated to spur scientific progress.

- HIMANSHI BHARDWAJ & DHRUVAKSH SAHA

"The science and technology secretary in states is the most reluctant secretary. He's invariably an Indian Administrative Service officer who feels he has been sidelined and given this portfolio — hence he's always looking to be transferred out. Most of the time, he's in the chief minister's office seeking a transfer", Singh said.

"This issue requires a wider introspection. In such a scenario, will there be work? We need to institutionalise (a framework) and find a way out. Or we have an arrangement where we have lateral entry secretaries — scientists with some administrative experience," the minister of state (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Personnel and Public Grievances said at the launch of Niti Aayog's report on improving S&T councils in states.