Expressing fears that the "discrepant" pay scales, as compared to bureaucrats and teachers, could lead to an increased attrition, scientists fear it could subsequently affect India's scientific programmes.
S Joseph Winston, president, Confederation of Atomic and Space Scientists and Technologists (COAST), said that scientists in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Space (DOS) have sought appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to air their grievances and seek his intervention to "rectify" the anomalies.
"The scientific community, which toils hard in the offices, labs and workshops, are given a raw deal by SCPC and have not been treated on par with bureaucrats," he said.
Promotions as well as annual increment were quick and high for the bureaucrats while it was not the case with the scientists who had to climb more steps compared to the former to reach similar payscales, he said.
"The poor package offered in the SCPC would not attract young scientists to these departments, which could result in brain drain. And those who are unhappy with the pay package could migrate to the private sector, thus giving the knowledge gained by them to a private multinational corporation (MNC)," Winston said.
"The Commission has also recommended contractual appointments of engineers to these departments which could also affect the country's programmes, as they would leave once their contract ends," he added.
The Sixth Pay Commission: Complete coverage