A huge 52.82 per cent of the scientists recruited in 2006 have left the Indian Space Research Organisation for the private sector, citing better remunerative packages.

While in 2006, 187 out of 354 scientists/engineers recruited left the ISRO, the corresponding figures for 2004 and 2005 were 105 out of 360 and 100 out of 346, Minister of State in the PMO Prithviraj Chavan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

"Stupendous growth of Information Technology and Communication sectors in the country and the high remunerative packages being offered by the private sector are the main reasons for scientists/engineers to leave the ISRO," he said.

Chavan said a host of steps was being taken to encourage and motivate students in schools and colleges to join space studies and space research like providing opportunity for visits to ISRO centres, organisation of open-house discussions and exhibitions every year.

The department of space has submitted a proposal to the VIth pay commission for enhanced pay and special incentives as performance-based annual increments, he said.