Date:27/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/27/stories/2008122755841100.htm

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Cabinet nod for upgrading 30 CSIR posts

Special Correspondent

It is aimed at realising higher levels of productivity

Rs. 350 cr. scheme to strengthen Farakka Barrage
Proposal to restructure Defence Estates Organisation cleared

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a proposal of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to upgrade 30 of its top-level scientist posts to help it realise higher levels of productivity, compete in the knowledge-driven global economy more effectively and check migration or attrition of its scientists.

The new posts, with a payscale of Rs. 24,050-650-26,000, will be filled by scientific leaders, recruited from both within the country as well as from among scientists and technologists of Indian origin who have proven track records of managing challenging scientific programmes.

They will be called ‘distinguished scientists’ and tasked to implement the CSIR’s strategy to create centres of excellence around cutting edge science and technology, drive mega products and run mission-oriented programmes in various frontier areas.

Chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Cabinet cleared a proposal to restructure the Defence Estates Organisation to meet the need for additional officers, based on functional needs, as well as re-organisation of the territorial jurisdiction of Army commands, decentralisation of land and cantonment administration, and regular inspection of defence lands. The restructure entails creation of 55 group A and nine group B posts and abolition of 674 group C and group D posts.

The Union Cabinet’s Committee on Economic Affairs also met on Friday and cleared a Rs. 350-crore scheme to strengthen the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal. It will include repair of the rail-cum-road bridge at the Barrage and construction of road bridges and cross-drainage works across the feeder canal.

The canal head regulator, the unlined canal banks and the barrage gates and their operating systems will also be repaired. In addition, anti-erosion works will be undertaken in critical reaches along the Ganga-Padma and Bhagirathi to provide for greater safety of the Barrage.

The Barrage across Ganga was constructed in 1975 with the prime objective of preservation of the Kolkata Port and to increase the navigation depth of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly waterway.