PAKISTAN COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (PCSIR)
The Government of Pakistan established PCSIR in 1953 to build a strong scientific and technological base for the economic progress of the country. In the first phase of its evolution (20 years, 1953-73) multi-functional laboratories and institutions that were engaged mainly in basic research were established in major cities. In the second phase (1973-1993), the Council was given more autonomy through PCSIR Act XXX of 1973. Applied research was emphasized to maximize utilization of indigenous resources, raw material and technologies. In the third phase (1993-2013), through PSDP the buildings of almost all PCSIR establishments were refurbished and new equipments and facilities were added.
On the orders of Prime Minister’s directives, the Inspection of PCSIR was undertaken within the given Terms of References (ToRs).
The summary and detailed report furnished to PM’s Office after incorporating the views and comments of M/o Science & Technology / PCSIR on the findings & recommendations of PMIC, was approved by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Pakistan and forwarded to M/o Science & Technology for implementation.
PMIC through M/o Science & Technology / PCSIR takes pride and bring on record the progress achieved on the recommendations made by PMIC, as detailed below:
* The Act of PCSIR has been revised / amended in line with the present activates of the Council, which is forwarded to M/o S&T for onward submission to M/o Law & Justice for legal vetting.
* A regular Chairman has been appointed.
* A policy regarding distribution of earning focusing on R&D has been framed and submitted to Finance Division for approval, which is under process.
* A comprehensive audit for self-sustainability of PCSIR to adopt a model of smart organization relying more on self-generated resources, is underway. Further, a request has been submitted to the M/o S&T for conducting a comprehensive HR and infrastructure audit.
* For revenue generation and optimal utilization of infrastructure a number of initiatives are being taken, e.g. implementation of KPIs for labs / units, preparation of KPIs for the scientists / engineers (under-review for implementation), increase in clientage through automation of ILO system extension in scope of accreditation for ISO-17025 in different sectors such as food, textile, materials etc., development projects are underway for the formulation / preparation of different industrial products for commercialization such as industrial and medicinal products through PCSIR Hemp Development programme, hydroponic framing etc.
* KPIs for the officers (Tech / Non-Tech) have been developed to measure their performance. A clause has been inserted into new drafted rules, 2022 to address the low-performing employees.
* The labs are developing a business plan for next five years with quarter-wise activities, targets and income generation.
* PCSIR executing a development project titled “Research, Development & Innovation” to address the R&D funding. So far, five research projects are being executed / funded through this programme.
* PCSIR Labs, Skardu, has been upgraded under a PSDP Project. Further, Gems & Minerals cutting & polishing centers have been established while the facilities at the fruit processing / preservation center have been upgraded.
* A request has been made to M/o S&T for conducting a Special Audit.
* A Task has been assigned to M/o S&T to constitute an Advisory Committee for effective project identification, design and security mechanism.
* Regular / periodicals audits / monitoring of development projects are being carried out by Planning Commission of Pakistan, P&D Wing of M/o S&T and P&D Wing of PCSIR.
* PC-IV of 2 projects which were completed on 30.06.2022, are under-process of submission.
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