On completion of his three-year tenure, the Vice Chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Dr Omkar Nath Singh, was given an emotional farewell by various units and officials of the university on Monday.

Senior officials of the university discussed his human qualities, administrative ability and scientific contribution and wished him a healthy and happy future life.

Dr Singh, basically a genetics and plant breeding expert, has done a lot of work in the field of rice research and has developed many popular varieties of rice which give better yield in fewer resources. He joined as BAU Vice Chancellor on 19 September 2020 and took effective steps to improve teaching, research and extension education work even during the Corona pandemic.

As the Vice Chancellor, he has made every possible effort to find solutions to all the problems of the university. Despite the acute shortage of professors, scientists and staff in BAU, in a short period of two years and eleven months, BAU has made many achievements in every field.

Singh said, “On the auspicious occasion of the Country's 76th Independence Day celebrations, I would like to present some important achievements before you all. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Fortnight was celebrated with great pomp and show in the University with the courtesy of National Service Scheme (NSS) from August 1 to 15, 2022. A team of soldiers of ITBP, Ranchi celebrated the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence with the students.”

“During the last three months, a total of 6 Kisan Goshti-cum-Small Agricultural Equipment Distribution programs were organized for the social and economic upliftment of farmers in the villages of freedom fighters and martyred heroes of Jharkhand. These programs were organized in the name of 'Paramveer Chakra Winner Martyr Albert Jari village in Gumla district of Ekka, Murgu village in Gumla district of freedom fighter Telanga Khadiya, Karonda Litatoli, the ancestral village of Gumla district of BAU founder and former Union Minister Kartik Oraon, Serengsia village in Tonton block of Chaibasa district of freedom fighter Poto Ho and Organized for the tribal farmers associated with the Progressive Farmers Organization of Shaheed Gram Ghaghra Beda, Bundu, Ranchi. During these programs, free distribution of ten types of various small farming equipment, battery operated spray machines and vermi beds to a total of 575 tribal farmers. Farmers were given information about advanced farming techniques of Kharif crops and problems related to farming were solved,” said Singh.

The VC informed that 53 non-teaching staff reinstated by the order of the Court were paid imaginary benefits under the notification of service regularization and university rules and regulations with the approval of the Management Board. “A letter requesting immediate action for appointment to the vacant or advertised posts under the University was sent to Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Raj Bhavan was also informed about it. Appointment process on the backlog posts of Assistant Professor of Veterinary College was completed. A total of 77 posts of teachers were advertised by the Commission and till now the Commission's recommendation has been received on a total of 19 posts,” he added.

Singh said that due to the continuous efforts of the University, rotation clearance for a total of 175 posts has been received from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Agriculture. “A proposal to start the appointment process of teachers in new and old colleges has been sent to the JPSC. This includes 72 posts of professor, 25 of university professor and 2 of Dean. Administrative approval was given to the seventh revised pay scale for teachers, scientists and employees and seventh revised pay scale pension to pensioners of teaching and non-teaching cadre,” he added.

The VC said that by promoting a total of 54 scientists working in 16 KVKs, the grade pay benefit was increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000. As per the instructions of the State Government, Career Advancement Scheme (Cash) promotion of teachers and scientists is under process. Teachers and scientists notification has been issued for increasing grade pay from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 and grade pay benefit from Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000. Other cases under cash promotion are under process, he added.