The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme is a remarkable initiative by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) designed to harness the expertise of retired scientists. This scheme allows distinguished superannuated professionals to continue their invaluable contributions to agricultural research and education, ensuring that their knowledge benefits the nation even after retirement.
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Understanding the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme
The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme aims to:
- Utilize the services of outstanding superannuated scientists from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) by allowing them to complete ongoing nationally important research projects.
- Engage retired experts in teaching specialized courses and developing instructional materials, especially multimedia resources, for national agricultural education programs, including distance education.
This initiative ensures that the wealth of knowledge possessed by retired scientists continues to contribute to the nation’s agricultural advancement.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme, applicants must:
- Be an outstanding superannuated teacher or scientist with a minimum of five years of teaching or training experience.
- Have a commendable record of published work.
- Be of the level of Principal Scientist/Professor or above from NARS institutions, including State Agricultural Universities, Deemed Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, Central Universities with agriculture faculties, and other recognized agricultural research and education organizations.
- Be below the age of 70 years at the time of application, as the scheme allows engagement up to the age of 70 or for three years, whichever is earlier.
Benefits of the Scheme
Beneficiaries of the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme receive:
- An honorarium of ₹50,000 per month in addition to their pension.
- A contingent grant of ₹2,00,000 per annum to cover expenses related to research activities, including the purchase of essential items, books, stationery, and part-time assistance.
These benefits ensure that retired scientists have the necessary support to continue their research and teaching endeavors effectively.
Application Process
Eligible scientists who are due to retire within the next 12 months can apply by submitting 15 copies of the prescribed application form to the Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR. The application must be routed through the executive authority of the institution where the applicant intends to carry out their research or teaching activities, accompanied by a recommendation and justification for the proposed work.
Importance of the Scheme
The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme plays a crucial role in:
- Ensuring the continuity of significant research projects that might otherwise be discontinued due to the retirement of key scientists.
- Leveraging the vast experience and knowledge of retired professionals to mentor the next generation of agricultural scientists and educators.
- Addressing regional imbalances in agricultural development by deploying experienced scientists to underprivileged areas.
By participating in this scheme, retired scientists can continue to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s agricultural progress, while institutions benefit from their expertise and guidance.
Conclusion
The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme is a testament to the value of experience and the importance of lifelong contribution to national development. Retired agricultural scientists should seize this opportunity to continue their impactful work, mentor emerging talents, and drive innovation in the agricultural sector. Institutions, in turn, gain access to seasoned experts who can elevate research and education standards.
In a country like India, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, the wisdom and expertise of retired scientists are national assets that must be cherished and utilized. The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme not only honors these stalwarts for their lifetime of service but also ensures that their contributions continue to shape the future of Indian agriculture. Every eligible scientist should view this as a prestigious platform to leave a lasting legacy, and institutions must actively support their applications to maximize the impact. Let this be a call to action—for every qualified individual to step forward, apply, and keep serving the nation’s farmers, students, and scientific community.
For more information and to apply, visit the official myScheme portal.
Note: Please ensure to check the latest guidelines and deadlines on the official ICAR website or the myScheme portal before applying, as the scheme’s status and requirements may be subject to change.
