Suo Moto disclosure under section 4 of RTI Act, 2005

The Right to Information Act 2005 came into force for its enactment from 12th October 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority in India. Under this RTI act, the following information is given on the website of CMLRE.

1. Organization and Function

1.1 Particulars of Organization, Functions and Duties

1.1.1 Name and Address of the organization

Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE)
Atal Bhavan, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Government of India
Ochanthuruthu (PO), LNG Road,
Puthuvyppe, Kochi -682508.

1.1.2 Head of organization

Dr. G. V. M Gupta, Scientist-G & Director

1.1.3 Vision, mission and key objectives

For organizing, coordinating and promoting ocean research and development activities in the country which inter-alia include mapping of the living resources, preparing inventory of commercially exploitable living marine resources, their optimum utilization through ecosystem management and R&D in basic sciences on Marine Living Resources and Ecology.

The Marine Living Resources (MLR) Programme envisages survey, assessment and exploitation of the MLR and studies on the response of MLR to changes in the physical environment and develop an ecosystem model for the management of the living resources in the Indian EEZ.

The Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV) SagarSampada is fully utilized for these studies with the support of Vessel Management Cell (VMC). Earlier plan projects include surveys and studies in the EEZ with focus on deep sea fishery, harmful algal blooms, bioluminescent planktons, marine mammals, environment and the productivity patterns. These efforts are complimented through allied activities under MLR namely studies on benthos of the continental slope area, studies on biodiversity of plankton in Andaman sea, studies on the near-shore dynamics with special reference to upwelling and mud-banks, application oriented R&D on production of pearls from the black-lip pearl oyster, development of antifouling compounds from the marine organisms, modelling efforts and maintenance of a Data & Referral Centre on FORV collections. The ongoingactivities during 2017-20,with the in-house component, with a view to strengthen our scientific capability and infrastructure development in the newly inaugurated campus at Puthuvype during 2019. The scope mentioned above is proposed to be addressed by restructuring the 12thplan activities based on the IRC recommendations into the following two projects to be carried out during 2017-21,

• Marine Ecosystem Dynamics of eastern Arabian Sea (MEDAS)
• Resource Exploration and Inventorization System (REIS)

The MLR programme in the above mentioned thrust areas have been taken up under the umbrella scheme O-SMART include studies such as MEDAS and REIS under O-SMART. These activities need to be continued to realize the deliverables/outcomes in the next five years i.e. 2021-26. Taking into consideration of the changes in the ecosystems and the interactions, the existing two main stream projects MEDAS and REIS are proposed to be continued during 15th Finance Commission period with a more focussed studies and activities to address the scientific outcomes that are useful and benefit the society. Ocean Acidification (OA) effects on the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal ecosystems and fishery oceanographic studies in the India marine ecosystem are now included to address the societal and climate change relevant issues on marine living resources. The CMLRE components under O-SMART are accordingly restructured to major themes as 1) Marine Biodiversity & Ecology, 2) Fishery Resources and Habitat Assessment 3) Marine Ecosystem Dynamics 4) Societal Development. The main objective of the major themes are given below,

i. Inventorisation and mapping of marine biodiversity hotspots and species assemblage patterns of Andaman& Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands ecosystems
ii. Assessing the fishery resources and habitat suitability of selected meso-pelagic, demersal species and major economically important small pelagic fishes in the Indian EEZ.
iii. Marine ecosystem processes of Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal with special emphasis on ocean acidification and its potential impacts on biological dynamics.
iv. Enhancement of natural stock of marine ornamental fishes in Lakshadweep through hatchery rearing and sea ranching and train coastal and island communities on hatchery rearing of ornamental fishes for their livelihood improvement.

The CMLRE components under DOM are
i. Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity: Inventorization of deep-sea fauna and flora of deep-sea hotspots like sea mounts, capacity building on deep sea taxonomy and genomic studies, development of biodiversity database, bio-prospecting using deep sea genetic material of microbes are some of the major areas to be focused.

1.1.4 Function and duties

CMLRE mainly engaged in coordinating and implementing the Marine Living Resources (MLR) Programme envisages survey, assessment and exploitation of the MLR and studies on the response of MLR to changes in the physical environment with the objective of developing an ecosystem model for the management of the living resources in the Indian EEZ.

1.1.5 Organization Chart



1.1.6 Any other details-the genesis, inception, formation of the department and the HoDs from time to time as well as the committees/ Commissions constituted from time to time have been dealt

Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) was established at Kochi in 1998 by upgrading the erstwhile SagarSampada Cell with exclusive facilities for implementing Marine Living Resources (MLR) Programme.CMLRE, Cochin under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India has been organizing, coordinating and promoting ocean development activities in the country which inter-alia include mapping of the living resources, preparing inventory of commercially exploitable living marine resources, their optimum utilization through ecosystem management and R&D in basic sciences on Marine Living Resources and Ecology. The Marine Living Resources Programme envisages survey, assessment and exploitation of the MLR and studies on the response of MLR to changes in the physical environment with the objective of developing an ecosystem model for the management of the living resources in the Indian EEZ. The Fishery Oceanographic Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada is fully utilized for these studies. On-going MLR surveys in the EEZ focus on bio-diversity, meso pelagic fishery and its environmental linkage, harmful algal blooms, Bioluminescent plankton, marine mammals, environment and the productivity patterns etc. These efforts are complimented through allied activities under MLR namely studies on the benthos of the continental shelf and slope area, studies on biodiversity of planktons in Andaman Sea etc.There are three major sections in CMLRE, (a) Research and developmental activities under MLRP (2) Vessel Management Centre and (3) Establishment and Finance. The detailed of three sections given in the Flow chart (Section 1.1.5)

CMLRE is implementing different projects under the continuing plans/schemes of the GOI. Since inception under the leadership of the then Director, Prof Raveendranathan V, the centre was coordinating R and D projects under the umbrella of MLR in various research institutes/universities. Later in 2006, Dr.V N Sanjeevan took charge of the Centre and the programmes with a vision to expand it to National Centre on MLR in India. He retired in 2013. Followed by him, Dr. Madheswaran took charge as Director from November 2013. His successor Dr.M Sudhakar continued (joined September, 2014) to lead the activities and established a permanent campus in Puthuvype, Kochi during 2019. He retired in December 2019. Also, in-house research capability is strengthened and the journey was effectively carried forward further by Dr. M.V. Ramanamurthy (Joined as Director, CMLRE on January 2020 and relieved on October, 2020), and presently by Director Dr. G.V.M.Gupta.

1.2 Power and duties of its officers and employees

Designation	Name	Power and Duties of Employees
Director, Sc-G	Dr. G. V. M. Gupta	Director/HOD
Scientist-F	Shri N. Saravanane	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-E	Dr. Rasheed Kunjumohammed	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-E	Smt. C.R Asha Devi	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-E	Dr. Sherine Sonia Cubelio	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-E	Dr. Anil Kumar Vijayan (on Loan to MoES)	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-E	Dr. Smitha B R	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Dr.Hashim Manjebrayakath	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Dr. Kusum Komal Karati	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Dr. Sendhil Kumar	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Shri.Telson Noronha	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Shri.M Subramanian	Vessel management cell – support/ Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-D	Shri. Vasu C	Estate/Scientific activities rel1ated to MLR
Scientist-D	Dr.Siva Kiran Kumar Busala	Scientific activities related to MLR
Scientist-B	Shri. Kishore Kumar (on Loan from MoES)	Information Technology
Under Secretary	Shri. Dhanesh PG	Head of Office
Sr. Accounts Officer	Smt. Jayashree Vinod	DDO/PAO
Section Officer	Smt. Ajitha Kumari	Dealing with all budget/accounts/establishment related matters
LDC	Shri. Unnikrishanan	Timely preparation of all periodical returns and maintenance of all registers
LDC	Smt. K R Jaysree	Payment related duties
PA	Smt.Sheeba Alex	Work assigned by Under secretary and PAO
FH	Shri. K.R. Sunilkumar	Onboard Deck Assistance
FH	Shri.M. Rathinavel	Onboard Deck Assistance
FH	Shri. S.B. Prakash	Onboard Deck Assistance
FH	Shri. V. Binoy	Onboard Deck Assistance
FH	Shri. V.K. Pradeep Kumar	Onboard Deck Assistance
MTS	Shri. K.K. Divakaran	Multi Tasking Staff
MTS	Shri. P.V. Sasi	Multi Tasking Staff

1.2.2 Rules /orders under which the powers and duty are derived and exercised, work allocation

The officers/staff of CMLRE discharge their functions based on the guidelines issued by the Government from time to time as well as those prescribed under different manuals, rules like General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc. Based on the Ministry approved scientific projects, works can be allotted to various scientific, technical and administrative staffs during the tenure.

1.3 Procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability

1.3.1 Process of decision making and identify decision making points

Director, CMLRE is the decision making authority based on the rules and regulation as per GOI order.

1.3.2 Final decision making authority

Director CMLRE/Secretary, MoES, New Delhi

1.3.3 Related provision, Acts, rules etc

As per the rules and guidelines issued by GOI and approved by the MoES

1.3.4 Time limit or taking decision

As expeditiously as possible

1.3.5 Channel of supervision and accountability

As per the flow chart described above

1.4 Norms set by the Department for the discharge of its functions.

While performing the duties assigned to the different officers/staff, they exercise by and large the powers prescribed by the guidelines issued by the Government of India from time to time as well as those prescribed under different manuals, rules like General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc.

1.4.1 Nature of functions/services offered

Mainly coordinating and implementing the R and D programme under MLR

1.4.2 Norms/standards for functions/services delivery

While performing the duties assigned to the different officers/staff, they exercise by and large the powers prescribed by the guidelines issued by the Government of India from time to time as well as those prescribed under different manuals, rules like General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc.

1.4.3 Process by which these services can be accessed

Through meetings and discussions

1.4.4 Time-limit for achieving the targets


The MLR programme have been taken up under the umbrella scheme O-SMART and major studies such as MEDAS and REIS under O-SMART. These activities need to be continued to realize the deliverables/outcomes in the next five years i.e. 2021-26. Taking into consideration of the changes in the ecosystems and the interactions, the existing two main stream projects MEDAS and REIS are proposed to be continued during 15th Finance Commission period with a more focussed studies and activities to address the scientific outcomes that are useful and benefit the society. Ocean Acidification (OA) effects on the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal ecosystems and fishery oceanographic studies in the south India marine ecosystem are now included to address the societal and climate change relevant issues on marine living resources. The CMLRE components under O-SMART are accordingly restructured to major themes as 1) Marine Biodiversity & Ecology, 2) Fishery Resources and Habitat Assessment 3) Marine Ecosystem Dynamics 4) Societal Development. The CMLRE component under Deep ocean Mission is (1) Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity: Inventorization of deep-sea fauna and flora of deep-sea hotspots like sea mounts, capacity building on deep sea taxonomy and genomic studies, development of biodiversity database, bio-prospecting using deep sea genetic material of microbes are some of the major areas to be focused. March 2026- completion of the projects mentioned above.

1.4.5 Process of redress of grievances

Internal compliance Committee constituted for redressal mechanism. Process by which any written complaints raised by the individual, submitted to the Chairman / Member secretary. Thereafter, the Chairman convenes a meeting with members and discussed the matter in details and take appropriate action as per the procedure.

1.5 Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by the Department or under its control or used by its employees for discharge its functions

The officers/staff of CMLRE discharge their functions based on the guidelines issued by the Government of India from time to time as well as those prescribed under different manuals, rules like General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc.

1.5.1 Title and nature of the record/ manual /instruction: Scientific files in different projects and reports, scientific papers, handbook etc.

1.5.2 List of Rules, regulations, instructions manuals and records

General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc.

1.5.3 Acts/ Rules manuals etc

General Financial Rules, Delegation of Financial Power Rules, Manual of Office Procedures, etc.

1.5.4 Transfer policy and transfer orders

Under the control of MoES&DoPT, Govt of India

1.6 Categories of documents held by the authority under its control

Scientific reports and documents, Administrative documents/files, Account related documents, Library Books etc.

1.6.1Categories of documents

Scientific papers and reports, finance documents, Establishment /Administrative documents, Library Books and documents

1.6.2 Custodian of documents/categories

All scientific documents under the Custody of Project investigators, Finance related documents under the custody of Finance officer/AO, All administrative documents under the custody of Head of Office. All Library books and documents under the custody of Library in charge.

1.7 Boards, Councils, Committees and other Bodies constituted as part of the Public Authority

1.7.1 Name of Boards, Council, Committee

• Research Advisory Committee (RAC)
• Needs Committee:
• Purchase Committee O-SMART
• Official Language Implementation Committee
• Publication Committee
• Verification committee:
• Condemnation committee:
• Internal complaints committee
• Purchase Committee DOM
• FORV Sagar Sampada Techno-financial proposal Evaluation committee
• Local Purchase Committee (LPC)

1.7.2: Composition of the Committee

1.9 Monthly Remuneration Received By Each of its Officers and Employees, including the System of compensation

1.9.2: System of compensation as provided in its regulations

The officers and staff of CMLRE are drawing admissible allowances including availing the facilities of LTC and medical benefits as per the order of Government of India from time to time.

1.10 The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers

Central Public Information Officer

Dr. Rasheed Kunjumohammed

Scientist-E/CPIO

ATAL BHAVAN

LNG Road. Puthu Vypin South,
Ochanthuruthu PO,
Kochi-682508
Kerala
Phone: 0484-2944017
E-mail: CPIO[at]cmlre[dot]gov[dot]in

The above email is given ONLY for filling online RTI u/s 7(1) of RTI act (life and liberty)

RTI Appellate Authority

Dr. G. V. M. Gupta

Director/HOD,

Applete Authority (RTI)CMLRE,
ATAL BHAVAN

LNG Road. Puthu Vypin South,
Ochanthuruthu PO,
Kochi-682508
Kerala
Phone: 0484-2944004

1.11 No. Of employees against whom Disciplinary action has been proposed/ taken

Nil

1.11.1 No. of employees against whom disciplinary action has been (i) Pending for Minor penalty or major penalty proceedings

Nil

1.11.2 Finalized for Minor penalty or major penalty proceedings

Nil

1.12 Programmes to advance understanding of RTI

1.12.1 Educational programmes:

As a part of RTI educational programme, CPIO,CMLRE attended a training programme in Delhi in 2016

1.12.2 Efforts to encourage public authority to participate in these programmes

Will Update

1.12.3 Training of CPIO/APIO

Attended a training programme of RTI in Delhi during December 2016.

1.12.4 Update& publish guidelines on RTI by the Public Authorities concerned

Regularly updating the details in CMLRE site . Last updated as on 16th August 2022

1.13 Transfer policy and transfer orders

1.13.1 Transfer Policy And Transfer Orders

CMLRE is attached office of MoES, So transfer policy is under the control of MoES & DoPT (www.moes.gov.in" target="_BLANK" title="External site that opens in a new window "/a>)