Why in news
Since 2007, more than 2,700 scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have been recruited through lateral entry.
This figure represents a significant majority of senior-level hires at ICAR.
Impact on Reservation Policy:
The lateral entry system undermines the goals of the reservation policy.
Lateral entry does not provide reservations for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, which violates the Constitution.
Opposition to Lateral Entry:
The Agricultural Research Service Scientists’ Forum (ARSSF), representing about 3,750 scientists at ICAR, passed a resolution on July 29 calling for a ban on lateral entry.
The resolution claims that lateral entry creates conflict among scientists, leading to a toxic work culture that affects the system's efficiency.
Scientists recruited through the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment (ARS) examination, who have served ICAR for more than 25 years, are facing difficulties in advancing to Semi Research Management Positions (RMP) and RMP roles.
The lateral entry system is seen as blocking opportunities for these long-serving scientists to attain senior positions.
ICAR
ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
It was established on 16 July 1929.
ICAR was Formerly known as Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquartered at New Delhi, ICAR has 101 institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across the country.
Indian Council of Agriculture Research is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.
Union Minister of Agriculture is the ex-officio President of the ICAR Society.
‘ICAR Vision 2050’, provides the strategic framework for innovation-led inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in the country.
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