New Delhi: Concerned over a sharp depletion of senior scientists in prestigious research bodies in the country, the Science and Technology Ministry is embarking on a "catch them young" programme to rope in students in pure science.

"We will be facing acute shortage of senior scientists in our research institutions like Department of Science and Technology, Department of Bio-technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and by 2010-2015, 30 to 35 per cent of senior scientists in these research organisations will be retiring," University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Arun Nigavekar told reporters today (Dec 26, 2003).

Four National Institutes of Sciences at Allahabad, Chennai, Pune and Orissa would be established to impart education on the specialised courses in science, he said.

Science and Technology Minister Murli Manohar Joshi would make a formal announcement in this regard on December 28 at a function in New Delhi to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of UGC, which would be inaugurated by President A P J Abdul Kalam Azad.

As many as 400 students would be selected through an all India entrance examination from the next academic session for three year degree course, masters degree and PhD courses in these four institutes, which would function as "hand shake" between education and research bodies, he said.