’Vets can’t handle research’

A top scientist at Indian Council of Agricultural Research has quit amid allegations that he was not given the top post as he was an animal scientist

'Vets can't handle research'

A top scientist at Indian Council of Agricultural Research has quit amid allegations that he was not given the top post as he was an animal scientist

"In pursuance of the orders issued by the Government of India, Department of Personnel & Training, an extension in service has been given to Dr Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR for a period of six months beyond the age of 62 years on 30.6.2009 or until further orders," reads the top news and highlights section of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research website.

However, the real news is that the frontrunner to the post Dr KM Bajurbaruah has quit as the Deputy Director General of the top farm research organisation alleging "partisan behaviour" by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The selection committee chose Dr Bajurbaruah in May, just before the elections and sent the recommendation to the Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar as soon as he took over the reins of the ministry yet again.

Dr Dr bajurbaruah, who will now take over as the Vice-Chancellor of the Assam Agriculture University, declined comment over the issue saying, "the sanctity of the prestigious research institution has to be maintained at all costs."

The spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry also refused to comment over the issue. A scientist with ICAR claimed: "Crop science lobby did not want him (Dr Dr bajurbaruah) on the top post. Otherwise, Bujarbaruah, who is an animal scientist could have got the job."

"If they have to extend the tenure of the present chief, why a selection committee was constituted in the first place?" questioned another scientist, requesting anonymity.

Organogram
The ICAR Director-General is assisted by eight Deputy Directors-General - one each incharge of Crop Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Animal Sciences, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Extension, Fisheries, Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering. The vast network of ICAR includes Institutes, Bureaus, National Research Centres and Project Directorates has a manpower of about 30,000 personnel out of which nearly 7000 are engaged in active research and its management.

Thirty eight Agricultural Universities (SAUs) employ about 26,000 scientists for teaching, research and extension education; of these over 6000 scientists are employed in the ICAR supported coordinated projects.

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