Suo-Motu disclosure under section-4 of RTI ACT

Information in respect of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu-603102

The Parliament has passed the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the same has been published in the Gazette of India on 21st June 2005. Under Section 4(1) of the said Act All Government organizations are required to publish certain information pertaining to the concerned organizations for easy access by citizens of India desirous of obtaining such information. Accordingly the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Kalpakkam-603102, Tamil Nadu, an Organization under the Government of India has made available the following information on the web for easy access by the citizens.

i. Particulars of its organization, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)]

• Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) was established in the year 1971, under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The centre is engaged in broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced engineering directed towards the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology. Fast Breeder Test Reactor based on unique mixed Plutonium Uranium Carbide fuel, First of its kind in the world and KAMINI Reactor, the only operating Reactor in the World using U233 fuels are successfully operated in the centre. The design of 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is completed and is in the advanced stage of construction at Kalpakkam.




• IGCAR , the second largest establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy next to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, was set up at Kalpakkam, 80 KMs south of Chennai [Madras], in 1971 with the main objective of conducting broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced Engineering, directed towards the development of sodium cooled Fast Breeder Reactor [FBR] technology, in India. This is part of the second stage of Indian Atomic Energy Programme, which is aimed at preparing the country for utilization of the extensive Thorium reserves and providing means to meet the large demands of electrical energy in 21st century.




• In meeting the objectives, a modest beginning was made by constructing a sodium cooled Fast Breeder Test Reactor [FBTR], with a nominal power of 40 MWt, based on the French Reactor, RAPSODIE. The reactor attained its first criticality on 18th Oct, 1985 and has been in operation at its maximum attainable power level of 40 MWt with a small core. It is the first of its kind in the world to use Plutonium Uranium mixed carbide as a driver fuel. Over the years, the centre has established comprehensive R & D facilities covering the entire spectrum of FBR technology related to Sodium Technology, Reactor Engineering, Reactor Physics, Metallurgy and Materials, Chemistry of Fuels and its materials, Fuel Reprocessing, Reactor Safety, Control and Instrumentation, Computer Applications etc., and has developed a strong base in a variety of disciplines related to this advanced technology. With the experience and expertise gained by the successful operation of FBTR, the Centre has embarked upon the design and construction of 500 MWe, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor [PFBR]. Various R & D activities in the areas of Structural Mechanics, Thermal Hydraulics and flow induced vibration, Component Testing in high temperature sodium environment, sodium-water reaction, hydraulic development of sodium pumps etc., are successfully completed before taking up the construction of PFBR.




• As a part of efforts for closing the fuel cycle, a Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant designed constructed commissioned and is being operated. A 30 kWt, U233 fuelled mini reactor [KAMINI] has been made operational for neutron radiography, neutron activation analysis etc., IGCAR utilizes its expertise and resources in enhancing its standing as a leading Centre of research in various branches of basic, applied and engineering sciences that have a bearing on Nuclear Technology like Structural Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Material Science, Fabrication Processes, Non-Destructive Testing, Chemical sensors, High temperature thermodynamics, Radiation Physics, Computer Science etc.,




• Apart from thrust areas related to nuclear technology, the Centre has credentials as a leader of research in various frontier and topical subjects like Quasi crystals, Oxide superconductors, Nano-structures, clusters, SQUID fabrication programs, exopolymers and experimental simulation of condensed matter using colloids etc., IGCAR has extended its expertise and facilities to other vital sectors as Defence, Space and other industries of India to develop techniques for reliable solutions to specialized problems. It has collaborations with educational and R & D institutes like Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Pilani, national Institute of Technology, National Research Laboratories, Public Units and Institutes abroad.




• A modern Library comprising 62,000 volumes of books, 41,000 back volumes, about 920 journals and 1.95 lakhs reports in all disciplines caters to the technical needs of the Scientists and Engineers. The Central Workshop is fully equipped with sophisticated machines for the fabrication of precision components.




• The Computer Division houses Silicon Graphics Power Challenge L servers, SGI work stations, 8 Noded Xeon Servers to meet the computational demands of the users. The centre has sanctioned staff strength of 2814 including 1187 Engineers and Scientists.




• The Centre is being steered by Shri C G Karhadkar, Distinguished Scientist.

ii. Particulars of its organization, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)]
a. Director: Director is the head of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and is responsible for implementation of the missions of the Centre. Director reports to the Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy & Chairman, and Atomic Energy Commission. The hierarchical set-up under Director IGCAR is as indicated below:

b. Group Director: The activities of the Centre are classified into distinct categories under the following Groups:

• Civil Engineering Group [CEG]
• Electronics & Instrumentation Group [EIG]
• Engineering Services Group [ESG]
• Fast Reactor Technology Group [FRTG]
• Materials Chemistry & Metal Fuel Cycle Group [MC&MFCG]
• Materials Science Group [MSG]
• Metallurgy and Materials Group [MMG]
• Reactor Design Group [RDG]
• Reactor Facilities Group [RFG]
• Reprocessing Group [RpG]
• Safety, Quality & Resource Management Group [SQ&RMG]

Group Directors are responsible for implementation of the objectives of the Group and reports to Director ICGAR. Directors of Groups are vested with various powers as required for managing the activities of the Group.

a. Associate Director: Associate Director of Group is the next level functionary after Group Director in a Group and is directly responsible for activities of sub group within the group. Associate Directors are vested with various powers as required for managing the activities of the Group.

b. Head of Division: Each Group/ sub group headed by a Group Director/Associate Director is further divided into several Divisions under different Heads of Divisions. Heads of Divisions are responsible for implementation of the objectives of their respective Divisions. Divisions are usually further divided into Sections headed by senior Scientists who are designated as Heads of Sections and vested with certain powers

c. Director (Personnel & Administration): Director (Personnel & Administration) is responsible for handling all administrative matters related to the Centre. He reports to the Director, IGCAR. Director, IGCAR is designated as Head of Department in respect of IGCAR for administrative functions. However, for administrative convenience, powers of Head of Department in certain areas have been redelegated to Director (Personnel & Administration), IGCAR.

d. Internal Financial Adviser: Internal Financial Adviser is the Head of the Accounts wing of the Centre. He is responsible for handling all accounts related matters of the Centre. He reports to the Director, IGCAR

e. Administrative Officer: Administrative Officer is the next level functionary in the Administrative wing of the Centre, and reports to the Director (Personnel & Administration. Administrative Officer (Personnel) in IGCAR is the Head of Office for administrative functions.

f. Deputy Controller of Accounts : Deputy Controller of Accounts is the next level functionary in the Accounts wing of the Centre, and reports to the Internal Financial Adviser.

iii.Procedure followed in the decision making process [Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]

As in the case of any other Government organization, there is a defined hierarchical set up with a chain of command in the IGCAR in the decision making process. A group of employees form into a Section under the Section Head and number of Sections constitute a Division under a Division Head. Similarly, the Division Heads work under Group Directors who report to the Director, who is the Head of Unit. IGCAR council, Directors Advisory Committee, IGCAR Scientific committee are bodies chaired by Director, are participating in the decision making process. Stores and Purchase Committee chaired by Director takes decision on purchase of high value items. Through the chain of command as indicated above, supervision and responsibility commensurate with the level of the officers concerned has been fixed. Details in this regard are available on IGCAR website www.igcar.gov.in
Time limit for taking decisions is as per the Orders issued by DAE/GoI from time to time.

iv. Norms for discharge of functions [Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]

The rules and regulations and other procedures which are applicable to other Central Governments offices are accepted as norms in the IGCAR also for the discharge of functions by various authorities.
The grievances received through online CPGRAMS portal are redressed through the said portal by the Public Grievance Officer, IGCAR. Copy of the office order appointing Public Grievance Officer is given below
Office Order appointing Public Grievance Officer, IGCAR

v. Rules, regulations, instructions manuals and records for discharging functions [Section 4(1)(b)(v)]

Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961

Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Rules framed there under Manual of Office Procedure

Exercise of Financial Powers (DAE) Rules, 1978

All Central Civil Services Rules

Transfer policy and transfer orders

vi.Categories of documents held by the authority under its control [Section 4(1)(b)(vi)]

The categories of documents in this regard could be broadly indicated as Annual Reports, News Letters, Progress Reports, Technical Reports, Manuals for application of various facilities & equipments, Scientific Publications such journals, books, rule books in addition to other books issued by Central Government.
The custodian of documents is the concerned HoDs dealing with such documents as per the guidelines/ rules/procedures laid down by the Department time to time.

vii.Boards, councils, committees and other bodies constituted as part of the public authority [Section 4(1)(b)(viii)]

There are three main bodies in IGCAR which are IGC Council, Director's Advisory Committee (DAC) and Indira Gandhi Centre Scientific Committee (IGCSC) which lay down policies and programmes in a broad manner. In addition, there are several bodies whose functions are of advisory or recommendatory nature for assisting the Head of the Unit for discharging the duties. This consists of several Standing Committees including the selection or ad-hoc Committee for recruitment and promotion, etc.

• IGC COUNCIL Members List

• INDIRA GANDHI CENTRE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE (IGCSC) Members List

• STORES & PURCHASE COMMITTEE

viii. Directory of its officer and employees [Section 4(i)(b)(i)]

ix The monthly remuneration received by officers and employees including the system of compensation [Section 4(1)(b)(x)]

• List of employee with pay

• Pay Matrix

x. Names, Designation and other particulars of Public Information Officers [Section 4(1)(b)(xvi)]

• Particulars are provided in the Annexure

xi. No of employees against whom disciplinary action has been proposed / taken [Section 4(2)]

• No of employees against whom disciplinary action has been

• Pending for minor penalty or major penalty proceedings - 02

• Finalised for minor penalty or major penalty proceedings - 01

xii. Programmes to advance understanding of RTI [Section 26]

• Training Programmes are conducted by ATI, DAE