The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has dismissed recent media reports alleging irregularities in the recruitment of agricultural scientists, describing them as baseless and misleading. These allegations surfaced in select media outlets on December 27, 2024, and called for an investigation into the matter.
ICAR, a premier scientific body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, operates under the governance of its Rules and Bye-laws. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare serves as the President of ICAR.
In an official statement, ICAR clarified that all recent recruitment processes adhered strictly to the Model Qualifications approved by the Competent Authority. It emphasized that the Essential Qualifications (EQs) for the position of Director at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, have remained unchanged since their last revision. The EQs advertised for the current recruitment align with those under which the previous Director, Dr. A. K. Singh, was appointed in 2019. Dr. Singh retired in June 2024.
Contrary to claims of procedural lapses, ICAR asserted that the advertisement for the Director’s post at IARI was valid and followed due process. The council suggested that these allegations stem from disgruntled individuals attempting to mislead a Governing Body member for personal interests.
Addressing concerns about the appointment of Dr. Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao as the Director of IARI, ICAR explained that Dr. Rao was serving as the Director of the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, at the time of his selection. His transition to the IARI Director position complied with established norms, allowing officials on tour to be relieved and assume new responsibilities. ICAR clarified that approvals were granted via e-mails and e-Office systems, aligning with official protocols.
The council denounced claims that these procedures were abrupt or unprecedented, labeling them defamatory and indicative of misinformation. It also called for a public apology from those spreading falsehoods aimed at tarnishing the organization's reputation.
