The scientists belong to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Announcing the awards of Rs 10 lakh each, Defence Minister George Fernandes said here the sanctions imposed by the US on India following last year's nuclear blasts ``have placed'' greater responsibility on the shoulders of the scientists in the fight to defeat the embargo.

``During my visits to various laboratories and scientific establishments under DRDO, I witnessed the dedication and commitment of our scientists and technicians. ``It felt that the work should be recognised,'' the Defence Minister said. The scientists of the Prithvi missile system will get Rs 10 lakh and the scientists of the Integrated Airborne Electronic Warfare System, Tempest, will get another Rs 10 lakh for excellence and perfection in designingand developing leading to its production and induction in service.

Academic excellence awards of Rs 10 lakh will be shared by the teams led by Prof Bharathi Bhat of the Centre for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE) of IIT Delhi and Prof T K Ghoshal of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Calcutta.

Prof Bhat's team has been chosen for innovation and development leading to the production of phased-controlled modules through indigenous efforts, which led to self-reliance in critical components required for electronic scanning of phased array multifunction radar, Nagendra. Prof Ghoshal's team was selected for outstanding contribution in research and evolution of guidance and control algorithm for flight vehicles.

Also chosen for awards are eight DRDO scientists who will receive Rs one lakh each as ``scientists of the year'' award, while six other scientists will get the DRDO young scientists award.

The awardees were selected on the recommendations of the awards committee. TheDRDO awards amounting to a total of Rs one crore was instituted by Defence Minister George Fernandes in the aftermath of sanctions, following the nuclear tests. The awards would be an annual feature, he said.