Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), emphasized the need to restructure key positions in the fisheries sector.
He advocated for individuals with fisheries degrees to fill these roles. Pathak acknowledged the growing importance of the fisheries sector in India and expressed concern that many vital positions are currently occupied by individuals without fisheries qualifications or minimal training.
He urged for a gradual shift to have fisheries graduates assume these key positions, recognizing that an immediate transformation might not be feasible.
Pathak conveyed this message during an interactive session at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), where he addressed students and researchers.
Pathak also demonstrated openness to suggestions and recommendations from experts, reflecting optimism about the future of fisheries education in India.
In response to student concerns, he announced the withdrawal of the Ph.D. requirement for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) examination, making a master's degree the new basic qualification starting from the next year.
Additionally, he revealed ICAR's intention to request the UPSC to permit fisheries graduates to apply for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination and to include fisheries science as a subject in civil service exams.
The session was presided over by T Pradeepkumar, the Vice-Chancellor of KUFOS.
