Date:25/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052554500800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Scientists seek Prime Minister’s intervention

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Confederation of Atomic and Space Scientists/Technologists (COAST) has urged the Prime Minister to intervene and redress their grievances over the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations.

COAST, an umbrella forum of various scientific research institutions under the Departments of Space and Atomic Energy, has sought an audience with the Prime Minister to make out their case.

The forum will decide on the future course of action on the basis of the outcome of the talks, COAST president S. Joseph Winston said on Friday. COAST representatives termed the recommendations anomalous and said they would deepen the pay disparities between scientists and engineers and other professionals. Besides affecting the morale of scientists, the scientists said, the recommendations would render a career in science unattractive to the youth.