Shillong, March 01: Scientists of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Thursday staged a silent protest at the campus in Umiam demanding implementation of revised pay and five working days.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists were also wearing black badges during the protest.

They gathered near the institute’s entrance before the office hours and read out the resolution followed by handing over the same to the Director.

The scientists said most of the Central government workforce of the nation including scientific organizations has been drawing their revised salary and emoluments as per the Seventh Pay Commission for more than a year.

“Though the recommendations of UGC pay review committee were accepted by the government long back, ICAR scientists are yet to realize the benefits of the same,” they said in a statement.

It is interesting to note that, revised pay is being paid to all the staff of ICAR except, Scientists for last one year.

They also said that the long standing demand of five working days though enjoys majority of support of ICAR scientists and research managers, has been turned down in the ICAR Governing Body meeting.

According to them, this clearly reflects the highest level of insensitivity towards genuine needs of scientific communities.