CSIR heeds to rationalists; deletes contested portions in undertaking

Bengaluru, June 17: Taking into consideration, rationalists' demands the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has omitted disputed portions of the undertaking from its application form for Research Fellowships.

A statement 'help me God' in the 'oath of allegiance' irked rationalists seeking the removal of word God from the form. Besides, an undertaking that compels a male married research fellow not to go into second marriage when the first spouse is alive and female research fellow not to marry another woman's husband also drew flak.

Earlier, rationalist Narendra Nayak took strong objection to the use of word God sarcastically asking what this non-existent entity is doing in the papers. He also alleged that science body has turned into religious institution.

He termed undertaking for married men and woman as absurd, obnoxious and ridiculous. He had also written an open to letter to CSIR Director General, Dr Girish Sahni demanding removal of these words.

Perhaps conceding to the demands of rationalists, the CSIR has removed certain undertakings. Oath of allegiance, undertaking for married men on second marriage and marriage compulsion for women candidates have been removed in freshly updated form.

Sahni, however said the form that raised objections from certain quarters was old one. He added there is no space for such thing in the CSIR. However he declined to explain why such undertaking were added in the form. Sahni further clarified that those who have signed old forms can re-submit the new forms.

Narendra Nayak reacting to the fresh development said, finally good sense has come into the CISR. These words have no space in democratic and secular country. "Happy that our demands were met", added.

OneIndia News