Government to Re-boost Geological Survey of India

Thursday, 02 February 2012 15:40

Written by Dinesh Singh Rawat

New Delhi (ABC Live) Mr. Dinsha J. Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Mines inaugurated the 50th Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting of the Geological Survey of India here at ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi today.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister reiterated that the Government is committed to provide all the facilities for the development of GSI and the Cabinet has recently approved proposal for the `Restructuring of the GSI` whereby right sizing of different scientific streams will be achieved with proper mix of working and supervisory levels. Mr. Patel further said that the impetus is towards getting quality outputs and for this, from a headquarter centric organizational structure; GSI has been decentralized into Mission-Region matrix mode of functioning with emphasis on undertaking domain specific programmes and specialization.

Mr. Patel also said that GSI plans to induct as many as 300 geoscientists and significant number of geophysicists and chemists during 2012-13 which will strengthen the scientific workforce of GSI and help in achieving goals envisaged under various schemes.

On this occasion the Minister also inaugurated an exhibition arranged by GSI and its sister organizations on the theme of Gems, Gemstones, Precious Metals & Minerals, REE and Technology Minerals which is most befitting on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee meeting of CGPB. Mr. Patel also said that it is encouraging to know that out of the proposed outlay of 4596 crore under Plan head during the XII Plan a significant share has been apportioned for continuation of modernization program in GSI like acquisition of Ocean-Going Research Vessel, up gradation of laboratory facilities and drilling equipments.

The Minister also appreciated the robust training and capacity building program which GSI has developed for all level of its officers to keep its scientific workforce abreast with the latest advances in geoscience technology. The Field Training Centres and Regional Training Institutes of GSI are being modernized and upgraded so as to make GSI Training Institute as `centre of excellence`.

The Minister also said that the GSI Training Institute is conducting training and capacity building courses for the geoscientists of the State Governments, free of cost and the State Governments must take this opportunity to avail the training facilities provided by GSI for their workforce. Mr. Patel also said that the Ministry of Mines is proactively involved in developing the mineral sector. The Geo science Advisory Council (GAC), which was conceptualized by the HPC, provides a forum for the geoscientific institutions to come together and work collaboratively for a common cause.

On this occasion Mr. Vishwapati Trivedi, Secretary (Mines) said that this is a perfect platform which will provide opportunity to all stake holders involved in the geosciences sector to interact and deliberate issues and concerns of the sector to be addressed in the ensuing 12th plan. According to Mr. Trivedi discussion on the Field Season Program for the year 2012-13 would be the main agenda for this on going meeting and it should be part of the long term Vision programme. He also stressed that mineral resource is the need of the hour and it should be conserved to protect the environment and the fragile ecosystem. Mr. Trivedi also said that sustaining the vast biodiversity and concern for the impact of climate change are two important aspects which need immediate attention.