Dr Onkar Nath Singh on Saturday took charge as the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) of the State Capital.

Just after taking over the charge, Singh paid floral tributes to the statues of Lord Birsa Munda and Kartik Oraon in the University campus, addressed the senior officers of the university in the BAU board room and also took stock of the important issues of the institution from them.

The VC asked the Deans and Directors to prepare a powerpoint presentation about the activities, achievements, problems and future plans of their respective units after discussion with their colleagues. Presentations will be held after 7 to 10 days as per the pre circulated schedule. Punctuality, discipline and productivity will receive his attention.

With the help and cooperation of the University officials, the State Government and Governor’s Secretariat Singh would try to address the issues like seventh pay package and career advancement scheme benefits to teachers, speedy appointment on the vacant posts of teachers, scientists, staff, contractual engagement and extension of teachers and ACP and  MACP to non teaching staff,  said Singh. He will remain available from 7 AM to 10 PM for institutional works, the VC said.

Originally a principal scientist of ICAR, Singh was working as Technical Member, Plant Variety Protection Appellate Tribunal of Intellectual Property Appellate Board under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. He also worked as Director (Acting.), Head, Division of Crop Improvement, Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding) at ICAR, National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Senior Scientist at ICAR, Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand, Assistant and Associate Professor at Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad, Assistant Professor at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar, Lecturer, Genetics and Plant Breeding, BNV PG College, Rath, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Singh has been involved in developing more than 30 rice varieties with special reference to Aerobic rice in areas where there is acute shortage of water.

Singh has led several projects funded nationally and internationally and guided several Post Graduate students.