The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) rules for national award of excellence in forestry were finalised after the council’s director general VK Bahuguna discussed various aspects with deputy director generals, Forest Research Institute director and other officers in Dehradun.
The award rules have been made for forestry research, education and extension under three categories: awards for ICFRE personnel serving in ICFRE (HQ) and its institutes/centres; awards for non-ICFRE individuals, institutions, NGOs, State Forest Departments and award of certificate of excellence, recognition, appreciation, citation, plaque for ICFRE and non ICFRE individuals/organisations.
There will be 20 cash awards in all the categories with a total amount of Rs12.50 lakhs. The ambit of the award rules has been enhanced to encourage and motivate professional competence; to recognise practical applied research oriented performance which has led to public welfare to cover the hither to unorganised areas and recognise contribution of scientific community such as technical persons/research scholars and to encourage researchers, scientists, foresters and non foresters for their contribution to the cause of forestry research.
Emphasis has been laid in the award rules on those who adopt ICFRE technologies and outstanding contributions in frontier areas of scientific research in fulfilment of the council’s mandate. The council’s scientists receiving these awards would be considered for relaxation in residency period required for in-situ upgradation under FCS. The award winning scientists/officers/research support staff may also be considered for special grant to travel abroad in pursuit of scientific excellence. The awards will be presented on biennial basis.