Dr. Kalam served as the first Principal Scientific Advisor or PSA from November 1999 to November 2001. The post of PSA is equal to that of a Secretary in any ministry. Dr. Kalam developed numerous policies, strategies and missions for many development applications while serving as PSA.
The position of PSA was created with a Cabinet rank in 1999 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. However, in 2018, the Union Ministry decided that the scientific advisor would have a position equal to a Secretary, with tenure of three years. It is the job of the PSA to advise the prime minister and the cabinet on matters related to science and technology, and how they can affect economic and social structures.
The office of the PSA also helps various ministries, institutions and the industry to cooperate and work together in matters related to science and technology, through the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
Dr. Kalam had served as the Scientific Adviser to the defence minister from 1992-99 before being appointed as the PSA in 1999.
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