INTERACTION: Nagaraj, Director and Vice-Chancellor, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), having a word with N.K. Ganguly, Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, during the NIMHANS Institute Day C elebrations, in Bangalore on Tuesday. — Photo: K Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has adopted a process of "blacklisting" scientists who have not completed research projects, ICMR Director-General N.K. Ganguly said here on Tuesday.

Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of the Institute Day celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Prof. Ganguly said the ICMR has adopted an "audit system" that will monitor the progress of scientists and research bodies funded by the organisation.

"We have a software called `IRIS' that will keep a tab on incomplete projects and under-utilisation of funds. We also have a process of blacklisting scientists who have not completed projects," he said.

Health research

Prof. Ganguly said the recommendation made by the ICMR review committee on setting up a separate department for health research in the Union Ministry of Health is being considered. "The papers are moving and we are hopeful it will be set up soon," he said.

Pointing out that the committee has also sought Rs. 5,000 crores in the Eleventh Five Year Plan for health research, Prof. Ganguly said if the recommendation is considered, "the funds will be three times more than what we are getting now."

Earlier, speaking at the Institute Day function, Prof. Ganguly wanted NIMHANS to set up a separate unit for disaster management. "Whenever there are any disasters, this institution, which is second to none in the country, gets into disaster management activities. This will naturally affect its routine functioning. A separate unit will be of great help," he said.

Tie-up

The former Director of NIMHANS S.M. Channabasavanna suggested that NIMHANS should tie-up with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the State Government and ensure that training on life skills programme is introduced in schools and colleges.

He wanted the institution to start postgraduate courses in geriatrics and psychiatric rehabilitation. "There is an acute shortage of professionals in rehabilitation care. Even in district hospitals, we have several vacancies in mental health rehabilitation because we have no staff," he said.

Director and Vice-Chancellor of NIMHANS D. Nagaraja said a MD Ph.D. programme in clinical research will be started at NIMHANS from this academic year.

Earlier, the dignitaries presented certificates and prizes to candidates who completed their postdoctoral and diploma courses. "Service awards" were presented to P. Kannan, N. Vishwambaran, G.R. Rangaswamy, C.P. Narayanan, L.A. Reddy and Joseph Xavier for excellence in service. Dean and Professor of Neurophysiology T.R. Raju welcomed the gathering and Registrar M.V. Savitri proposed the vote of thanks.

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