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DG GSI urges willing officials of the Geological Survey of India to contribute 1 day’s salary to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund set up to fight COVID-19
Mumbai 28th March 2020- Shri M. Sridhar, Director General of Geological Survey of India has urged the willing officials of the Geological Survey of India to contribute 1 day’s salary from the pay bills of April 2020 towards the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund set up to fight the situations arising in the country after the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He, in his appeal to the GSI officials, said, “In this difficult situation, all of us should stand united to deal with the crisis and strengthen the hands of Government of India.As always done, GSI shall do its bit in the fight against the COVID-19. In this regard, it is an appeal to all the members of GSI family to come forward and contribute generously to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Members of GSI family, who are willing to contribute at least one day’s salary from the pay bills of April 2020, can give their consent to the concerned Heads of Office.”
Shri. Sridhar requested all the HODs and Deputy Director Generals of 6 different regions to implement the same in their respective regions. These contributions to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund are 100% exempted from Income Tax under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.
About Geological Survey of India- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute. Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geo scientific information and mineral resource assessment. These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geo scientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seism tectonic study, and carrying out fundamental research.
GSI’s chief role includes providing objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy making decisions, commercial and socio-economic needs. GSI also emphasises on systematic documentation of all geological processes derived out of surface and subsurface of India and its offshore areas. The organisation does so by using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies, including geophysical and geochemical and geological surveys.
GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, co-ordination and utilization of spatial databases (including those acquired through remote sensing). It functions as a ‘Repository’ or ‘clearing house’ for the purpose and uses latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data, through cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders in the Geo-informatics sector.
GSI explores (through ground, airborne, satellite, and marine surveys) and scientifically assesses mineral, energy and water resources available in the country and facilitates their optimal exploration through proactive dissemination information. It maintains a leadership role in the geological field and develops partnerships with Central, State and other institutions to help create enhanced executional capability and capacity in the field of geology. It coordinates geoscientific activities with stakeholders in all sectors related to geoscience to help sustainably manage natural resources, including water.
GSI conducts multidisciplinary as well as fundamental Geoscientific research and studies (including geotechnical investigations, physical, chemical and biological hazard geo-investigations, climate change geo-studies, paleo geo-studies etc.), and fosters partnerships with State and Central research and academic institutions for the purpose. It actively participates in international collaborative projects to improve the general understanding of the earth and its ecosystems and its geology, including studies related to tectonics, global warming and climate change, and Polar studies.
The organisation’s primary emphasis is on the cause of geoscience by documentation, propagation, archiving and education. This it does through creation and management of museums, monuments and parks, archives, libraries and other facilities for use of students, researchers and the general public. It also constantly endeavours to popularize Geoscience at school and university levels through production and dissemination of high-quality audio-visual and printed material, and through the medium of the Internet. It holds exhibitions and special events on a regular basis across the country to provide exposure to the public about geoscientific concepts. The general outcome of the work conducted by GSI has immense social value.
GSI, headquartered in Kolkata, has six regional offices located in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata and state unit offices in almost all states of the country. Currently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.