Modi government removes DRDO chief to infuse young talent

The Narendra Modi government on Friday sacked Dr Avinash Chander as chief of the prestigious Defence Research and Development Organisation, asking him to retire with immediate effect.

Friday was the last day in office for Dr Chander, India's senior most missile scientist and scientific advisor to the Defence Minister, who was to serve on extension till the end of 2015.

The government order is said to be in line with the Modi government's policy to avoid extensions to government scientists in order to encourage a younger and fresher profile in the DRDO and other scientific organisations.

Padma Shri Dr Chander, the man behind Agni missiles, was appointed to the two posts in June last year. His research in innovative energy management guidance system formed the backbone of the long-range missile system.

Dr Chander joined the DRDO in 1972 after graduating in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Delhi. He later got his MS in Spatial Information Technology from JNTU, Hyderabad. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honours, including DRDO Scientist of the Year and Agni Self-Reliance Award.



Read more at: Modi government removes DRDO chief to infuse young talent : India, News - India Today

Poor journalism- there is no "sacking".
He was on an extension (post his retirement age), at the request and pleasure of the previous govt.

It is well within the right of the new govt to have a different strategy, if it does not agree with the decisions of the previous govt.

We all know govt servants consider their jobs.. as "permanent jobs", unlike those in private sector. And they are not far from reality .... govt servants don't get "sacked" simply because there is an economic downturn. They need to do a gross crime, to be actually "sacked" .. and even that is a long drawn process, with appeals.

Avinash Chander made very good contributions to India's missile development.
The nations salutes his contributions.

He already had extension till 2015 end

Good.

Salute him for his contributions and his service towards republic of India.

Padma Shri Dr Chander, the man behind Agni
missiles, was appointed to the two posts in June
last year. His research in innovative energy
management guidance system formed the
backbone of the long-range missile system

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It was time for him to go,and let young scientist fill the gap for the better of the Nation.

Why target Dr Avinash Chander? The govt should cut all the deadwood and retired babus/bureaucrats instead who have managed plum postings in these defence establishments who need to be shown the door. They know squat about science and technology but occupy exalted positions due to political patronage and as a consequence enjoy huge post retirement benefits in these establishments.

They need to be kicked out and tech savvy professionals inducted in their place.

young or old it doesnt matter

what matter is quality work which indeed delivers for our armed forces & we induct those systems in right time

"just mere prototype building & testing a weapon & taking a half century time to test & induct those weapons wont do any help for us "

CHEERS

OrionHunter said:

Why target Dr Avinash Chander? The govt should cut all the deadwood and retired babus/bureaucrats instead who have managed plum postings in these defence establishments who need to be shown the door. They know squat about science and technology but occupy exalted positions due to political patronage and as a consequence enjoy huge post retirement benefits in these establishments.

They need to be kicked out and tech savvy professionals inducted in their place.

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Not really. Just that the system of extensions should be abolished. Then they can work as Advisers on a Honararium. I know of a DRDO Lab Director in APJ Kalam's time as SA to RM; his contribution was great, so the Govt. offered him an Extension for two years. He turned that down saying: that if people were given extensions, then people down the line would be deprived of Career Advancement options, and even he himself might have never become the Director of his Lab! So he worked as an Adviser on a Honararium of Rs.11.00 p.m. (while he got his entitled pension) for 4 years.

Another Scientist (from my family) worked as an Adviser to the DAE and the PM on a Honararium of Re.1 p.m. and a RAX phone (as perk) for 5years after he insisted on retiring so as to make way for other Scientists. This was in the time of Indira Gandhi; as she was loath to let him go from the time that Nehru had selected him to work with Homi Bhabha.

People can and have made meaningful contributions even after retirement. There is no need to occupy a chair to do so!

Avinash Chander made very good contributions to India's missile development. The nations salutes his contributions.

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He is known as the architect of the Agni series of missiles. Especially the long range ones.

Who is in line for the post next ?

Replacement will be someone young
Modi Could surprise and take someone from the corporate or military background

I don't he ll mess up with scientific community ..

What he actually messes is political fraternity..

Alas!!! Atlast!!!! so who is next????

DrSomnath999 said:

young or old it doesnt matter

what matter is quality work which indeed delivers for our armed forces & we induct those systems in right time

"just mere prototype building & testing a weapon & taking a half century time to test & induct those weapons wont do any help for us "

CHEERS

Click to expand...

Agreed more reforms are needed but alas good start