Thiruvananthapuram: The scientific community in the State went into a huddle on Thursday following a Government decision to replace the director of the Science, Technology and Environment Department (STED) K.R.S.Krishnan with an official from the Secretariat.

Mr.Krishnan, who was on deputation from the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, was due to complete his tenure in October.

He was handling additional charge as member-secretary of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).

Hands over charge

Mr.Krishnan handed over charge to the official, a Deputy Secretary from the Secretariat, on Thursday evening.

Scientists attached to various research institutes feel that the decision to appoint an administrative official to the key scientific post is ominous. They allege that it signals the Government's intention to interfere in the affairs of the council.

The timing of the decision has also come in for criticism from a section of scientists. "The decision has come just when things started looking up and research institutes were shifting to the mission mode. It could only spell bad news," says a senior scientist.

Both Mr. Krishnan and executive vice president of the KSCSTE Dr. A.E.Muthunayagam confirmed the new appointment but refused to comment on the matter. Mr. Krishnan said he would be returning to New Delhi to take up his post at the DST.

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