Ministry filling up vacant posts of scientists: Harsh Vardhan

The Union Minister of Environment and Forest Dr Harsh Vardhan told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that there are 99 sanctioned posts of scientists at the ministry's regional offices, of which 82 have been filled up. Dr Vardhan was responding to a query raised by Lakhimpur MP Ajay Teni regarding a shortage of expert scientists at the ministry's regional offices, leading to inadequate monitoring of projects.

"There are 99 sanctioned posts of scientists in various grades in the Ministry, of which 82 are filled at present. Pre-appointment formalities in respect of four posts have already been initiated," said Dr Vardhan.

He added, "As against the target of 1,248 projects, a total of 1,341 projects were monitored during the year 2016-17 for follow-up implementation of conditions and safeguards laid down for projects/activities under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986."

Earlier in March, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had slammed the Environment ministry for poor staff strength across regional offices. It had said in its report that regional offices were not well-equipped to monitor defaulting companies.