Aspect

Details

Objective

 Recognize and support outstanding scientists/engineers for continued research and development.

Eligibility

Includes retired/superannuated scientists and engineers.

Focus on individuals involved in sensitive or critical technologies.

Tenure

1 to 5 years determined at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Honorarium

₹2,00,000/- per month.

If honorarium + pension exceeds last drawn salary, honorarium is adjusted to match the last drawn salary.

Contingency Grant

 ₹76,000/- per annum for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, and stationery.

Equipment Allowance

₹1,25,000/- (inclusive of ₹10,000/- for books) for the entire tenure subject to utilization.

Transport Allowance

Fixed monthly allowance if no official vehicle is provided.

Attribute

Details

Establishment

Founded in 1954 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, with Homi Bhabha as its first Secretary.

Headquarters

Mumbai.

Core Focus Areas

Nuclear power technology.

Radiation applications in agriculture, medicine, industry and basic research.

Composition

5 research centers.

3 industrial organizations.

5 public sector undertakings.

3 service organizations.

Supporting Institutions

2 boards for promoting extramural research.

8 institutes of international repute.

1 educational society for DAE employees' children.

Body

Role

Location

Atomic Energy Commission

Apex decision-making body for DAE policies.

Mumbai.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Ensures safety and compliance in DAE operations with powers delegated by the Atomic Energy Commission.

Mumbai

Aspect

Details

Full Name

Homi Jehangir Bhabha

Date of Birth

October 30, 1909

Place of Birth

Mumbai.

Field of Expertise

Theoretical Physics, Nuclear Science

Key Contributions

Conceptualized and led the Indian Atomic Energy Program.

Established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in 1945.

Major Roles

First Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.

Vision

Advocated for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Championed self-reliance in nuclear technology.

Institutions Established

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre originally known as Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay

Awards and Recognitions

Fellow of the Royal Society, 1941.

Padma Bhushan (India's third-highest civilian award), 1954.

Tragic End

Died on January 24, 1966, in an air crash near Mont Blanc, Switzerland.

Legacy

Known as the "Father of Indian Nuclear Program".

BARC and Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme are named in his honor.

Key Quote

“No power is costlier than no power.”

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements about the DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme is/are correct?

1. The scheme is open to both active and retired scientists and engineers.
2. Awardees receive an honorarium of ₹2,00,000 per month regardless of their pension or previous salary.
3. A contingency grant and equipment allowance are provided under the scheme.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The scheme is open to both retired and superannuated scientists/engineers. 

Statement 2 is incorrect. The honorarium is capped at the last drawn salary if the honorarium plus pension exceeds it.

Statement 3 is correct. Awardees are provided with a contingency grant of ₹76,000 per annum and an equipment allowance of ₹1,25,000.