Right to Information Act.

1.The particulars of its organization, functions and duties

To conduct mission oriented research for improvement of horticultural crops and development of horticulture based cropping system under arid environment and to act as a repository of information related to arid horticulture, the National Research Centre for Arid Horticulture (NRCAH) was established at Bikaner, which became functional in April, 1993. Considering the peculiar agro-climatic conditions of arid region, the large number of horticultural crops and a wide range of disciplines that are involved to develop usable technologies for horticultural sustenance in the region, a holistic approach was required which could not be taken under the limited mandate of NRCAH. Therefore, the working Group on Agricultural Research and Education for formulation of IX Five Year Plan of ICAR/DARE, Ministry of Agriculture, proposed upgradation of NRCAH to a level of an Institute. Thus, on the recommendation of a High Power Committee was constituted by ICAR and with the concurrence of Planning Commission, Govt. of India, the NRC for Arid Horticulture was upgraded to Central Institute for Arid Horticulture on 27^th September, 2000, so as to broaden its mandate from the mission oriented to holistic research incorporating work on potentially economic crops of arid region. Further, to consolidate the research in the region the Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Godhra (earlier functioning under the administrative control of IIHR, Bengaluru) was also integrated with CIAH w.e.f. 01.10.2000.

The institute is also shouldering the responsibility to carry out research and developmental activities of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Arid Zone Fruits which is spread at eighteen centers (4 ICAR Institutes and 11 SAUs) in eleven States.

Mandate

• Basic, strategic and applied research to enhance sustainable productivity, quality and utilization of horticultural crops of arid and semi-arid regions
• Repository of genetic resources and scientific information on horticultural crops of arid and semi-arid regions
• Transfer of technology, capacity building and impact assessment of technologies
• Coordinate research and validation of technologies on fruit crops of arid and semi-arid regions.

Objectives

The Institute has the following objectives:

1. To introduce, collect, characterize, conserve and evaluate the biodiversity of horticultural crops under arid and semi arid environments.
2. To utilize the available biodiversity and improve the target fruit crops such as ber, pomegranate, aonla, date palm, sapota, custard apple, tamarind, fig and cucurbitaceous, leguminous and solanaceous vegetables to develop high quality and productive types having tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
3. To study the factors related to rapid multiplication of propagules in case of established as well as new crops and the problems related to their growth and fruit development.
4. To standardize agro techniques with respect to efficient use of soil, water and nutrients for increased horticultural productivity involving water harvesting and conservation techniques under rainfed conditions, efficient use of the scarce irrigation water and nutrient management.
5. To study the eco-physiological parameters of cropping system models for utilization of high temperature and radiation resources.
6. To develop post harvest technology package for extended use of the horticultural produce of arid region.
7. To develop integrated pest and disease management technologies for horticultural crops under arid environment.
8. Transfer of innovative technologies generated on the above aspects to farmer’s fields for effective horticultural development and socio-economic upliftment of the farmers.
9. To carry out the impact assessment of the technologies & constraints analysis.
10. To serve as a repository of information related to arid and semi arid horticulture.
11. To collaborate with relevant national and international agencies for achieving the above.

CIAH, Bikaner is the research institute under ICAR with a national mandate on arid and semi arid horticultural crops. The institute is organized into the following divisions/sections for the purpose of research:

1. a) Head Quarters, Bikaner
2. Division of Crop Improvement

This division coordinates research in the following disciplines

• Horticulture
• Plant Breeding
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Entomology

2. Division of Crop production

This division coordinates research in the following disciplines

• Soil Science
• Plant Physiology
• Horticulture
• Plant Pathology
• Extension
• Post harvest Technology

1. b) Regional Station, CHES, Vejalpur, Godhra

Disciplines:

• Horticulture
• Plant Pathology
• Agricultural Extension
• Entomology
• Landscaping

Administration

The administration of the institute is headed by an Administrative Officer and supported by two Assistant Administrative Officers and FAO. They are assisted by Assistants, Senior Clerks, Junior Clerks and other supporting staff.

2. The powers and duties of its officers and employees

ICAR-CIAH is a Unit of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Director of the institute shall exercise such powers for their functioning as are delegated by the Governing Body or any authority of the ICAR.

3. The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability

The Director is assisted in the execution and implementation of various programmes by Scientists, Administrative Officer and Finance and Accounts Officer. The Institute Management Committee (IMC) guides and supports the Director by periodic review of programmes and approval of investments in new areas of research institute, training programmes, workshops and seminars. The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and Institute Research Council (IRC) provide broad guidelines and assist in developing and implementing specific research programmes and projects.

4. The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions

The norms are set by the ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi. The various functions carried out by the Institute are indicated in the mission, mandate and objectives of the institute.

5. The rules, regulations, instructions manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions

ICAR-CIAH is a Unit of ICAR, New Delhi. ICAR follows GOI rules mutatis mutandis, besides Agricultural Research Service rules, Technical Service Rules specially designed for Scientists and Technical personnel in ICAR. The Institute follows the rules, regulation and instructions as followed by ICAR and as indicated in the manuals and records of ICAR, New Delhi.

6. A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control

SFC/EFC,

Vision 2020, 2050

Annual reports

7. The particulars of any arrangements that exists for consultation with or representation by the members of the public in relation.

The particulars of any arrangements that exists for consultation with, or representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of its policy or implementation there of, the Institute is guided and supported by Institute Management Committee (IMC) and Research Advisory Committee (RAC). Both the IMC and RAC have two members in its composition who are drawn from the public, who take active part in the deliberations and decisions of these committees. The IMC guides and supports the institute by periodic review of programmes and approval of investments in new areas of research and education, training programmes, workshops and seminars. The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and Institute Research Council (IRC) provide broad guidelines and assist in developing and implementing specific research programmes and projects.

8. A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part.

A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public.

The IMC, RAC, and IRC are the committees, which help the Institute in guiding and implementing its various programmes and activities. The Composition of these committees is as per the guidelines of ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi. The proceedings of these meetings can be provided on demand.

9. The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation' s provided in its regulations

List of employees with their salary particulars are being updated

10. The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made

Plan-wise growth of budget (in Lakh Rupees)

Sl.No. Plan period Plan Non-Plan Total

1. VIII Plan (1992-97) 94.99 94.99
2. IX Plan (1997-2002) 938.03 450.99 1389.02
3. X Plan (2002-07) 605.28 1344.83 1950.11
4. XI Plan (2007-12) 1283.00 2945.39 4228.39
5. XII Plan (2012-2017) 2712.50 5391.61 8104.11

11. The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes

NIL

12. Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it

NIL

13. Details in respect of the information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form

Technical bulletins

Vision document

14. The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room.

The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use The information about the various details of the Institute are put up on the ICAR-CIAH website, http://www.ciah.ernet.in This information, put up on the web, is accessible to the public.

15. The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers.

Dr. Jagadish Rane

Director and Fist Appealing Authority,

ICAR-CIAH, Beechwal, Bikaner – 334 006 Rajasthan

Phone : 0151–2250960, 2250147

E-mail: ciah@nic.in

Sh. Akhil Thukral

Administrative Officer and Head of the Office,

ICAR-CIAH, Beechwal, Bikaner – 334 006 Rajasthan

Phone : 0151–2250960, 2250147

E-mail: ciah@nic.in

Dr. Dhurendra Singh

Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, RTI

ICAR-CIAH, Beechwal, Bikaner – 334 006 Rajasthan

Phone : 0151–2250960, 2250147

E-mail: ciah@nic.in

Dr. M.K. Berwal

Sr. Scientist and Transperancy Officer, ICAR-CIAH,

Beechwal, Bikaner- 334 006 Rajasthan

Ph: 0151–2253123, 2250960, 2250147

E-mail: ciah@nic.in

Mr. B.R. Khatri

Sr. Technical Officer and CPIO, ICAR-CIAH,

Beechwal, Bikaner- 334 006 Rajasthan

Ph: 0151–2253123, 2250960, 2250147

E-mail: ciah@nic.in

16. Such other information as may be prescribed and thereafter update these publications every year

NIL

Mode of seeking information:

The relevant provisions of the Act towards charging fee are as under:

A request for obtaining information under Sub-section (1) of Section 6 shall be accompanied by an application fee of Rs.10.00 by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft in the name of the ‘The ICAR Unit - CIAH, Punjab National Bank, Samta Nagar, Bikaner or as modified by CIC from time to time.

OR

The information can also be obtained by filling application online as detailed by CIC, New Delhi.