Why two dozen top scientists have expressed concern over the country’s flagship science awards

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Sci

Context:

A group of scientists some of whom were involved in the selection process for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, alleged that the names of three scientists were removed from the list submitted by the panel.
Two of these three scientists have been publicly critical of the government and some of its policies.
Twenty-six laureates of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) award had asked for clarification on the selection process to the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Prime Minister.
The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) responded saying that final decision on the selection of recipients lies with the Union Minister for Science and Technology.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

The RVP was instituted last year after disbanding existing science awards, including the much-coveted Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for scientists under 45, which was replaced by Vigyan Yuva.
The award honours individuals and institutions that have made significant advancements or contributions to scientific research and development.
This is RVP’s inaugural year, under which 33 awardees were announced across four categories.
Up to 56 prizes can be given across these categories annually.
The awards cover 13 domains: physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics & computer science, earth science, medicine, engineering sciences, agricultural science, environmental science, technology and innovation, atomic energy, space science and technology, and “others”.
The prize comprises a medallion and a certificate.

Award Categories:

Vigyan Ratna: Recognizing lifetime achievements of scientists. Maximum of three awards a year.
Vigyan Shri: Acknowledging distinguished contributions to a specific field. Maximum of 25 awards a year.
Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: Encouraging young scientists who have made exceptional contributions. This category has an age limit of 45 years. Maximum of 25 awards a year.
Vigyan Team: Recognizing collaborative efforts of teams comprising three or more Maximum of three awards a year. This year, Chandrayaan-3 team has been awarded.

Selection Process:

The RVP Committee comprises the Secretaries of six science-related ministries and departments, six distinguished scientists, and up to four presidents of science and engineering academies.
It is tasked with considering the nominations for the awards, and with constituting sub-committees for the domains.
Once the nominations have been considered, the RVPC is supposed to recommend the names to the Minister for Science and Technology. This provision was added recently.