ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme in India, Know More About It

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ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

In an effort to harness the intellectual wealth and skills of retired professionals, the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme has been established as a structured method to tap into the knowledge bank of superannuated experts in the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). This initiative allows retired scientists to contribute to ongoing research, teach specialized courses, and address critical national policy issues. This article explores the details, benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process of the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme.

Details of the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

The Emeritus Scientist Scheme serves as a mechanism to leverage the expertise of retired professionals for the advancement of agricultural development. The key objectives include:

Utilizing Services for Ongoing Research

Superannuated scientists are engaged to complete nationally important research projects already underway.
Initiating new programs in priority areas of national significance.

Utilizing Teaching Talent

Retired teachers contribute to specialized courses and develop instructional materials for national agricultural education programs, including distance education.

Targeted Beneficiaries

Open to scientists of repute at the level of Principal Scientist/Professor and above in the National Agriculture Research System.

Project Selection Criteria

Projects must be of national importance and should only be approved when equally competent regular scientists are unavailable for the proposed work.

Benefits of the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

The benefits extended to Emeritus Scientists include:

Honorarium and Pension: A monthly honorarium of Rs.50,000/- in addition to a pension, subject to Income Tax Act.
Contingent Grant: Up to Rs. 2,00,000/- per annum for project-related expenses.
Engagement Grant: Provision for engaging Junior Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow/Research Associates.
Full-time Dedication: The Emeritus Scientist must devote full time to the approved project and refrain from accepting other remunerative jobs during the tenure.

Eligibility Criteria for Emeritus Professors

To qualify for the ICAR Emeritus Professor position, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Outstanding Record: An outstanding superannuated teacher/scientist with a minimum of 5 years of teaching/training experience and a strong record of published work.
Age Limit: The Emeritus Professor can work under the scheme up to the age of 70 years or for a maximum of three years, whichever comes earlier.
Application Process: Applications should be submitted through the Executive Authority, following a prescribed Proforma.

Application Process

The application process for the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme involves the following steps:

Submission of Applications:

Eligible scientists/faculty, with retirement within the next 12 months, submit 15 copies of the application to the Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR.
Applications should be recommended and justified by the executive authority where the Emeritus Scientist proposes to work.

Invitations and Circulars:

Circulars will be issued twice a year (June and December) based on vacancies.
Eligibility criteria include having one year of service left or superannuating within one year from the last working day of the specified month.

Procedure of Selection

The selection process involves a thorough evaluation to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are chosen for the Emeritus Scientist position:

Expert Assessment:

Applications and comments from subject matter experts are reviewed.
Criteria include a minimum of 5 research papers in the last five years or significant awards/recognition at the national/international level.

Project Relevance:

Emphasis on the national importance of the project and its alignment with the scientist’s prior work.

Conclusion

The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme stands as a testament to the commitment to harness the wealth of knowledge and experience within the retired scientific community. By providing a structured platform for their continued contributions, the scheme not only supports ongoing research but also facilitates the transfer of invaluable expertise to the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Priti Palit

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