Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Look Into The Implementation Of Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme ... on 21 July, 2016
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Need to look into the implementation of Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme in Indian Meteorological Department.
SHRI ARVIND SAWANT (MUMBAI SOUTH) : I would like to bring the kind notice of the Government to the gross misuse of the administrative and discretionary power vested with the officers of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) administration.
To facilitate the officers for innovation and invention and to dedicate their services for the research, Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme (MFCS) was brought. This scheme was amended by 6th CPC to facilitate the scientist of the nation and to remove frustration that was building due to lack of promotional avenues.
Unfortunately not a single officer in IMD till date has come up with any invention. In IMD 90% of the scientists were involved in arranging duty roasters, administrative work, purchasing and installation of instruments and in real time forecasting using the tools developed by other agencies.
Therefore, they do not qualify as per the guidelines framed by DOP&T for modified flexible complementing scheme (MECS), however being at the policy makers position they have allegedly misused the powers conferred by the Government and amended the recruitment rules and corresponding designations to fit themselves within the guidelines of MFCS and enjoy the benefits of time bound promotions. FCS rules clearly mention that Group A Officers with degrees such as M.Sc (Mathematics and Statistics) are not eligible for MFCS mode of promotion. Still MFCS mode of promotion is extended to all. The FCS rules also mention that those involved in the administrative work too are not eligible for FCS benefits. In IMD officers from the post of Scientist C to Scientist G are by and large involved only in administrative work.
For example, the satellites are made, launched and maintained by ISRO, however it is used by IMD to read the product and interpret the product. Similarly the weather radars are purchased from the market and installed at various centers. They too are used by IMD for interpretation.
It is noticed that Group A officers are holding double nomenclature, one for promotional avenues (Scientist) and second for administrative and financial powers (Director, Deputy Director General etc.). Hardly any group A is undertaking the research work in its true spirit. Most of the Group A officers are involved in issuing forecast and maintenance of instruments which cannot be classified as scientific and drawing the huge salaries and promotion, causing huge expenditure to the tune of crores of rupees to the exchequer of the IMD. I therefore request the Hon'ble Minister to investigate the matter promptly and appoint true researchers of IMD and prevent misuse of Government money.