The IITs have set up a committee to evolve a performance-related incentive scheme (PRIS) to encourage well-performing teachers by giving them special incentives as available to Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) scientists.

The committee, headed by IIT Madras director Professor MS Ananth, comprises six members, including two from the IIT Faculty Federation. The committee will study the existing PRIS in Isro where the scientists are rewarded with 20 to 50 per cent of their basic salary per month as incentive for their performance at organisation, department and individual levels.

“We hope the committee to submit its report before December 15. It will take into account the performance of teachers in terms of research work and publications and suggest a suitable incentive scheme,” the director said. The IITs have also set up a separate committee to suggest criteria for promotion of professors. This committee comprises of deputy directors of four IITs besides representatives from the faculty.

The recommendations of this committee will form the basis on which a professor will move from Rs 10,500 academic grade pay to Rs 12,000 academic grade pay. The IIT Faculty Federation met HRD minister Kapil Sibal last month who had assured that the norms could be relaxed for exceptional cases and that the government would start the PRIS to encourage teachers who are performing well.