The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru successfully conducted an Orientation Training Programme from 21st to 25th October 2024 for 34 newly recruited assistants of various ICAR institutes based in Bengaluru viz., IIHR, NBAIR, NIANP, NIVEDI, ATARI and CIBA, Chennai. This initiative was designed to familiarize the assistants with the essential rules and regulations governing their roles within the Government of India and the broader ICAR framework.
Shri. Sachin Raghunanth Agnihotri, Chief Administrative Officer (SG) and Course Director welcomed the gathering and has set a positive tone for the sessions. In his opening remarks, Dr. S. Sriram, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Crop Protection emphasized the significance of understanding the structure and regulations of the ICAR system, which is crucial for effective functioning within the institutes. Over 5-day period, the participants were engaged in a series of informative sessions, each designed to address specific aspects of their roles and responsibilities.
The curriculum covered a wide array of topics critical to the daily operations of ICAR assistants. The ICAR service matters, including the General Financial Rules (GFR-2017), leave regulations, pension schemes, and pay fixation, Public Financial Management System (PFMS), procurement procedures via GeM (Government e-Marketplace), contract management, and the role of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) were thoroughly explored. A special lecture was delivered by Shri. Kanhaiya Chaoudhary, Ex-Director (Administration), ICAR, New Delhi, who spoke on ethics in government service providing valuable insights into the ethical considerations that underpin effective public administration.
Guidance was provided by a team of experienced professionals like Shri.V.Raghuraman, Senior Administrative Officer & Course Co-Director of the programme who played an instrumental role in guiding and structuring the programme. Shri. K.G. Jegadeesan, Senior Finance and Accounts Officer, from the finance point of few also contributed as a Course Co-Director. Dr. R. Umamaheswari, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer (HRD) and Dr. J. Satisha, Principal Scientist & Member, PME, ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru sensitized the participants on overall functioning of ICAR institutes and PME unit supported with field visits to demonstration plots. Shri. S.M.A. Ahmed, Assistant Administrative Officer and Programme Coordinator, played a key role in facilitating interactions among participants and resource persons, ensuring a collaborative atmosphere for learning. Resource persons included Smt. Suma Srinivas, Assistant Finance and Account Officer ATARI Bengaluru,Shri.J.Mathew, Administrative officer, ICAR - NBAIR, Bengaluru and Shri. Muralidharan, Administrative officer, ICAR -NIVEDI, Bengaluru who shared their expertise on various relevant topics.
In valedictory session, Dr. Prakash Patil, Director (i/c) & Project Coordinator (Fruits), ICAR –IIHR, Bengaluru delivered the presidential address and highlighted the role of Assistants in ICAR system and stressed the importance of discipline, punctuality, sincerity and dedication in delivering their duties for collective success of the organization. The entire training programme was coordinated by Shri S. M. A Ahmed, AAO and supported by Shri. S.G. Kalashetty, ACTO, Shri. T. Viswanathan, AO and Shri. K. Chandrashekaraiah, STO, ICAR –IIHR, Bengaluru.
