Annexure I
PAKISTAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
SOPs for Training 2014
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1. LONG TERM TRAINING
Long Term Training means long term academic training (Foreign/Local) leading to Masters,
M.Phil/Ph.D or equivalent degree equal to or exceeding one year, and Post Doctoral Research
Assignment.
1.1
Foreign Training (MSc./M.Phil/PhD)
1.1.1 Funded by PARC/Government of Pakistan
i).
ii).
iii).
iv).
v).
vi).
vii).
viii).
ix).
The degree program in which an employee intends to enroll may be relevant to
his/her job.
The research area, the employee wants to pursue, must be relevant to PARC
objectives or it has been identified as priority area by the respective
Technical/Administrative Division and the Council
An employee has to seek prior approval of the Chairman, PARC through the
concerned Technical Division/Administrative Institute or line of authority for
availing such facility
The maximum period for Masters/M.Phil program shall be two years. The study
period can be extended by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for
further 6 months based on recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the
extended period will be treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for MS Leading to PhD program shall be five years. The study
period can be extended on the request of the trainee for further one year based on
recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period will be
treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for PhD program shall be 48 months. The study period can be
extended by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for further six months
based on recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period
will be treated on leave due basis.
In case, a trainee who proceeds on Ph.D. studies through prescribed procedure may
want to change his study area, he/she has to submit the case/proposal to the
respective Technical/ Administrative Division afresh. The committee constituted by
the Chairman, PARC will evaluate the research field/proposal and decide the case.
The prescribed study period of an employee/trainee, allowed by the Council, shall be
treated on duty and employee shall be allowed pay and allowances in Pakistani
currency as per rules and regulations along with medical facilities to the dependent
family members in Pakistan as admissible under the rules of PARC issued from time
to time.
The employee while abroad for studies will be required to submit periodical
progress reports regularly through supervisor of studies. If the scholar does not send
his progress report with in stipulated time period (3 months for the first report and
six months for the subsequent reports) his salary after the grace period of two
months shall be stopped.
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x).
xi).
xii).
xiii).
xiv).
xv).
The employee shall not seek domicile/ nationality or employment outside Pakistan
without prior approval of PARC/Govt. and shall return to Pakistan immediately after
training.
The employee is bound to fill a surety bond with PARC to serve the Council for
three years in case of MSc and five years in case of PhD after completion of his
training abroad.
The scientist will deliver a presentation to the scientists of PARC/institute/station/
center to share the technical information of his training.
If a trainee/employee wants to take his family along with him during the training
period, he would be responsible of their travelling and other expenses. There will be
no financial liability on the part of PARC.
All the cases will be sent to administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food
Security and Research) for concurrence.
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per
GoP/PARC rules.
1.1.2
Funded by HEC
i)
The degree program in which an employee intends to enroll may be relevant to
his/her job.
The research area, the employee wants to pursue, must be relevant to PARC
objectives or it has been identified as priority area by the respective
Technical/Administrative Division and the Council
An employee has to seek prior approval of the Chairman, PARC through the
concerned Technical/Administrative Division or line of authority for availing such
facility
The employee is bound to complete all the formalities with HEC such as surety bond
and deed of agreement etc. He shall also fill a surety bond with PARC to serve the
Council for three years in case of MSc and five years in case of PhD after
completion of his training abroad.
The employee shall not seek domicile/ nationality or employment outside Pakistan
without prior without approval of Government of Pakistan through Higher
Education Commission and shall return to Pakistan immediately after training.
The employee shall contact Higher Education Commission immediately after his/
her return to Pakistan and inform about the joining and posting in his/ her parent
department.
The study period of an employee/trainee, allowed by the Council, shall be treated on
duty and employee shall be allowed pay and allowances in Pakistani currency as per
rules and regulations along with medical facilities to the dependent family members
in Pakistan as admissible under the rules of PARC issued from time to time.
The scientist will deliver a presentation to the scientists of PARC /institute/station /
center to share the technical information of his training.
If a trainee/employee wants to take his family along with him during the training
period, he would be responsible of their travelling and other expenses. There will be
no financial liability on the part of PARC.
All the cases will be sent to the administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food
Security and Research) for concurrence.
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per
GoP/PARC rules.
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
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1.1.3 Funded by Any Other Sources
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
xiii)
xiv)
xv)
The degree program in which an employee intends to enroll may be relevant to
his/her job.
The research area, the employee wants to pursue, must be relevant to PARC
objectives or it has been identified as priority area by the respective
Technical/Administrative Division and the Council.
An employee has to seek prior approval of the Chairman, PARC through the
concerned Technical/Administrative Division or line of authority for availing such
facility.
The maximum period for Masters/M.Phil program shall be two years (as prescribed
by the relevant universities in different countries). The study period can be extended
by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for further 6 months based on
recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period will be
treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for MS Leading to PhD program shall be five years. The study
period can be extended on the request of the trainee for further one year based on
recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period will be
treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for PhD program shall be 48 months. The study period can be
extended by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for further six months
based on recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period
will be treated on leave due basis.
All the expenses, i.e. both ways travelling charges, tuition fee, living expenses, book
allowance, thesis charges and study tour allowance etc would be the responsibility of
sponsoring agency and the employee. There will be no financial liability on the part
of PARC/ Government of Pakistan.
The employee shall be responsible to clear all the pre admission requirements of the
university at his own cost or at sponsor’s expenses. There will be no financial
liability on the part of PARC/GOP.
The study period of an employee/trainee, allowed by the Council, shall be treated on
duty and employee shall be allowed pay and allowances in Pakistani currency as per
rules and regulations along with medical facilities to the dependent family members
in Pakistan as admissible under the rules of PARC issued from time to time.
The employee while abroad for studies will be required to submit periodical
progress reports regularly through supervisor of studies. If the scholar does not send
his progress report with in stipulated time period (3 months for the first report and
six months for the subsequent reports) his salary after the grace period of two
months shall be stopped.
The employee is bound to fill a surety bond with PARC to serve the Council for
three years in case of MSc and five years in case of PhD after completion of his
training abroad.
The trainee will deliver a presentation to employees of PARC /institute/station /
center to share the technical information of his training.
If a trainee/employee wants to take his family along with him during the training
period, he would be responsible of their travelling and other expenses. There will be
no financial liability on the part of PARC.
All the cases will be sent to the administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food
Security and Research) for concurrence.
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per
GoP/PARC rules.
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1.2
Local Training (Diploma, Master/M.Phil/PhD)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
1.3
The degree program in which an employee intends to enroll may be relevant to
his/her job.
The research area the employee wants to pursue must be relevant to PARC
objectives or it has been identified as priority area by the respective
Technical/Administrative Division and the Council
The maximum period for Masters/M.Phil program shall be two years. The study
period can be extended by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for
further 6 months based on recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the
extended period will be treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for MS Leading to PhD program shall be five years. The study
period can be extended on the request of the trainee for further one year based on
recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period will be
treated on leave due basis.
The maximum period for PhD program shall be 48 months. The study period can be
extended by the Chairman, PARC on the request of the trainee for further six months
based on recommendation of academic supervisor. However, the extended period
will be treated on leave due basis.
The employees intending to pursue higher studies including (Diploma,
Master/M.Phil/PhD) shall be allowed on the recommendations of the concerned
Head of Divisions/ Centers/Institutes to avail the offer of training facilities with in
the country with all supporting documents.
The prescribed study period of an employee/trainee, allowed by the Council, shall be
treated on duty and employee shall be allowed pay and allowances in Pakistani
currency as per rules and regulations along with medical facilities to the dependent
family members in Pakistan as admissible under the rules of PARC issued from time
to time
The employee will be required to submit periodical progress reports regularly
through supervisor of studies. If the scholar does not send his progress report with in
stipulated time period (6 months for the first report and one year for the subsequent
reports) his salary after the grace period of two months shall be stopped.
The employee may conduct the research at any PARC/NARC research
establishments in the research priority area of its Technical Division/PARC, if
required by the Council.
The employee is bound to fill a surety bond with PARC to serve the Council for
three years in case of MSc and five years in case of PhD after completion of his
training.
The trainee will deliver a presentation to the scientists of PARC/institute/station/
center to share the technical information of his training.
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per
GoP/PARC rules.
Post Doctoral Research Assignment/Research Fellowship
The procedure for applying for Post Doctoral Research Assignment shall be as under:
i)
An employee has to take prior approval of the Chairman, PARC involving the
concerned Technical/Administrative Division or line of authority for availing such
facility.
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ii)
An employee must have three years relevant Post-PhD experience in his/her field of
research in the Council which may be relaxed up to maximum one year by the
Chairman, PARC.
iii)
The employee shall be permitted to acquire such assignment provided it is consistent
with the field of interest/ the priority area of the respective division and the Council.
iv)
The maximum duration of Post-Doc research assignment shall be one year. The
period can be extended by the Chairman, PARC for further one year based on
recommendations of respective Team Leader/Head of the research project.
v)
All expanses including travel will be borne either by the donor agency or by the
employee himself.
vi)
The employee shall be required to submit periodical progress reports regularly
through supervisor of studies. If the scholar does not send his progress report with in
stipulated time period (6 months for the first report and one year for the subsequent
reports) his salary after the grace period of two months shall be stopped.
vii)
The prescribed period of an employee/trainee, allowed by the Council, shall be
treated on duty and employee shall be allowed pay and allowances in Pakistani
currency as per rules and regulations along with medical facilities to the dependent
family members in Pakistan as admissible under the rules of PARC issued from time
to time.
viii) The employee is bound to fill a surety bond with PARC to serve the Council for
three years in case of MSc and five years in case of PhD after completion of his
training.
ix)
The trainee will deliver a presentation to the employees of PARC /institute/station
/center to share the technical information of his training.
x)
All the cases will be sent to the administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food
Security and Research) for concurrence.
xi) The employee will submit post- participation report with in 10 days of arrival in the
country to the Directorate of Training PARC.
xii)
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per
GoP/PARC rules.
1.4
Eligibility Criteria
1.4.1
Foreign/Local Long Term Training (Master/MPhil/PhD/Post Doc)
1.4.2
Eligibility: Only the regular employees of the Council shall be eligible for long term
local and foreign trainings.
1.4.3 Ineligibility: An employee shall not be eligible for long term training if:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
He/she has already availed long term training under any program previously during
the last five years in case of Ph.D, three years in case of Master/M.Phil and two
years in case of Post Doc Research Assignment OR applying for equivalent degree
program for which he has already been allowed on duty/study leave.
He/she was allowed to proceed on long term training but returned without
completing his/her studies.
Against whom disciplinary proceedings are pending or upon whom minor penalty
has been imposed on disciplinary grounds within last three years. But in no case an
employee upon whom major penalty has been imposed on account of disciplinary
proceedings shall be eligible for long term training program.
Has earned any adverse entry in PERs during the last three years.
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1.4.4
1.5
Age Limit: The maximum age limit for long term training program except Post Doc
Research fellowship shall be 45 years; however, in special circumstances the
Chairman, PARC may relax the age limit for all types of trainings (including Post
Doc) so much so that the trainee serves the bond period after completion of training
before retirement.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
1.5.1
Admission Requirements: A trainee shall have to fulfill all admission requirements
(TOFEL/IELTS/GAT etc) at his own cost where required by the sponsoring agency
or host institution and admission letter from accredited university.
1.5.2
Clearance Certificate: A trainee selected for long term training will be required to
get NOC/Clearance letter from PARC before proceeding on training.
1.5.3 Undertaking: The employee proceeding on long term training (local & foreign)
shall have to sign an undertaking required by PARC and GOP on a prescribed
format stating his/her commitment and dedication towards study and to achieve a
high standard of good moral conduct and self-discipline and to stay away from
taking part in such activities that are not in the good order of education and training
including part or whole-time employment. (However no undertaking would be
required for short term training up to three months).
1.5.4 Surety Bond:
i)
An employee proceeding on long term training (local or foreign) shall have to
execute a bond with the PARC and GOP on a prescribed format to serve PARC after
completion of the training for a period of three years for Master/M.Phil, five years
for PhD and two years for Post Doc Research Assignment.
ii)
An employee proceeding on long term training availed through his/her own initiative
shall have to execute the same bond on a prescribed format to serve PARC after
completion of the training for same period as mentioned in 1.5.4 (i)
iii)
No surety bond will be required by PARC for a trainee where the period of training
is less than one year. However, if there is any requirement of donor agency or Gov.
of Pakistan even for the short term training, the trainee would have to fill such bond
to complete the requirements.
1.5.5 Contact Address: An employee proceeding on long term training is required to
provide to the Council his/her mailing address, e-mail address and contact number
for correspondence during the training period.
1.6
Default: In case of breach/violation of any condition, mentioned in bond/undertaking, the
trainee shall render himself/herself liable to recovery from him/her or his/her surety all the
amount spent on him/her by PARC during training period. Such a trainee shall be liable to
disciplinary action under the rules and debarred from future training as well.
1.7
Termination of training and scholarship: The Chairman, PARC may terminate the
training of a candidate at any time in the following circumstances:
i)
If the progress of the candidate / employee is not reported satisfactory by the
University/ Institution/ Academic supervisor.
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ii)
iii)
iv)
If he/she is found guilty of misbehavior or misconduct.
If he/she violates any of the terms and conditions of the undertaking signed by him.
A trainee who terminates his/her studies prematurely has to pay off the amount
drawn on account of salary in addition to any additional expenses incurred by the
Council in relation to his/her training. However, the Chairman, in special
circumstances may waive off part or entire amount of surety bond provided reasons
for discontinuation of training recorded in writing by the trainee are found
satisfactory.
2. FOREIGN SHORT TERM TRAININGS AND VISITS
2.1
Foreign Short Term Training: Any theoretical and practical training program such as
Refresher Courses including Diploma/ Certificate/Apprenticeship of less than one year in foreign
universities, institutions and training centers shall fall under the category of foreign short term
training.
i).
A regular employee of the Council who has successfully completed his/her probationary
period on initial appointment is eligible for foreign short term training.
ii).
There shall be no age limit for short term training program or as per requirement of donor
agency.
iii).
An employee who is nominated for foreign short term training by the Council shall be
treated on duty during the period of his/her training abroad (including transit).
iv).
An employee who takes up foreign short term training at his/her own initiative and
accordingly approved by the Chairman, PARC shall be eligible for the training and shall be
treated on duty during the period of his/her training abroad (including transit).
v).
A trainee on short term training is not allowed to join an academic training program and is
supposed to return to Pakistan immediately on completion of his training.
vi).
An employee who proceeds on short term training shall have to sign an undertaking and
surety bond as per requirement of donor agency/sponsoring agency.
vii). An employee shall not apply for the grant of Ex-Pakistan leave to attend the event, except in
exceptional cases and with the approval of Chairman PARC.
viii). A trainee shall not be allowed to take his family on short term training. However in
exceptional cases Chairman PARC may allow, provided all the expenses are met by the
trainee.
ix).
After completion of short term training program, a trainee shall have to submit a brief study
report with recommendations and tangible achievements within 10 days to the Directorate
of Training, PARC after returning to Pakistan.
x).
The trainee will deliver a presentation to the employees of PARC /institute/station / center
to share the technical information of his/her training.
xi).
All the cases will be sent to the administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food Security
and Research) for concurrence.
xii). An employee who is under bond for long term training by HEC, GOP or PARC etc shall not
be allowed to avail this training facility until and unless the bond period is over.
xiii). Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per GoP/PARC
rules.
2.2
i).
Foreign Visits
A regular employee of the Council who has successfully completed his/her probationary
period on initial appointment is eligible for foreign visit.
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ii).
iii).
iv).
v).
vi).
vii).
viii).
ix).
x).
xi).
xii).
There shall be no age limit for any foreign visit or as per requirement of donor agency.
The subject of seminar/conference/workshop etc should be in line with the priority areas
and of interest to PARC.
Direct invitation from the organizers to the scientist shall not be entertained except those
scientists who are engaged/ involved as focal person / point, regional / country coordinator
or implementing any of the foreign aided projects.
The invitation from the organizers for participation of scientist in any event should be
addressed to the Chairman, PARC. PARC would encourage to attending the event if the
organizers are willing to pay all the expenses for participation. However the formal
permission will be granted by the Chairman upon the recommendation of the Member
concerned or Head of the Centers / Institutes/Stations.
An employee who is nominated/allowed for any foreign visit by the Council shall be treated
on duty during the period of his/her visit abroad (including transit).
A trainee on any foreign visit is not allowed to join any academic training program and is
supposed to return to Pakistan immediately on completion of his visit.
A scientist shall have to submit a brief study report with recommendations and tangible
achievements with in 10 days after returning to Pakistan to Directorate of Training, PARC.
The trainee will deliver a presentation to the employees of PARC/NARC/Institute/Centre to
share the technical information of his/her visit.
All the cases will be sent to the administrative ministry (Ministry of National Food Security
and Research) for concurrence.
An employee shall not apply for the grant of Ex-Pakistan leave to attend the event, except in
exceptional cases and with the approval of Chairman PARC.
Other terms and conditions of the training programme will be governed as per GoP/PARC
rules.
3. ROLE OF TECHNICAL DIVISIONS FOR FUTURE TRAINING NEEDS AND
PLANNING
The role of Technical Divisions is very important to formulate the short, medium and long
term strategies for the training of agricultural scientists in different disciplines to strengthen the
research and agricultural production system of the country. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council
(PARC) is passing through a turbulent phase, where most of the senior scientists would be retiring
and there will be a shortage of trained manpower in different fields during the coming years. There
is an urgent need to initiate a major effort to enhance the skill level of agricultural scientists and
strengthen the scientific research institutions in the country. This will help to identify the skill gap
in different disciplines and will support long term trainings of agricultural researchers at the
master’s and doctoral levels. Similarly the position in the National Agricultural Research System
(NARS) is not different; there is also an acute shortage of trained manpower in agricultural
research. In view of this woeful dearth of qualified manpower development and management of
training facilities at federal and provincial levels will become a major concern of Pakistan
Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
The following long term strategy and sustainable mechanism shall be adopted for the
development of trained manpower for agricultural research.
i)
ii)
iii)
Each technical division shall define its priority research areas.
Each technical division shall identify the crucial skill gap areas in selected fields due
to the retirement of trained manpower.
Technical divisions shall prepare at least five years plan (short, medium and long
term) to fill in the gap at institute/centre and program level. Each institute/centre and
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iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
program would be responsible to identify the field areas where they need to train the
manpower in five years as per their scope and mandate.
Each technical division shall determine the maximum number of scientists to avail
the long term trainings (M.S, PhD, and Post Doc.) each year with skill gap areas.
Each technical division shall prepare the list of priority fields and skill gap areas
which will contain the information of level of capacity building (i.e. M.S or PhD)
and identify the potential trainees on yearly basis.
The training needs of the NARS shall be considered and training facilities will be
circulated among the National Agricultural Research System to cope with the
shortage of trained manpower. PARC receives many short/ long term trainings and
invitations to attend the seminars, workshops, meetings etc from the friendly
countries, international organizations or through bilateral agreements of Pakistani
scientists. These events would help to provide a general understanding on emerging
issues, challenges and opportunities at global, regional and national level to NARS
scientists.
The scientists of PARC / NARC, who prepare any project proposal for any foreign
donor agency, shall keep the provision of at least one long and short term training
each in the project document.
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