UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Nirar Dam BPO, Valparai-642 127 | Coimbatore (Dis), Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Recognized by DSIR

RTI Act

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PARTICULARS OF ORGANISATION, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Name and address of the Organization

UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Glenview, Coonoor 643101. The Nilgiris. Tamil Nadu

Head of the Organization

Board of Trustees headed by Managing Trustee

Vision, Mission and Key Objectives

To carry out and promote research and other scientific work connected with the cultivation, production and procession of tea and other related aspects.

To make UPASI Tea Research foundation a core organization to serve the tea industry and promote the tea trade

Function and Duties

Scientific Research pertaining to cultivation, production and processing of Tea and other allied aspects.

• Analytical Services: Chemistry, Tea Technology, Pesticide Residue, Pathology and Physiology Divisions at TRI, Valparai and Chemical Laboratory, Regional Centre, Coonoor extend comprehensive analytical services while laboratories in other regional centres possess very limited analytical facilities. TRI also carry out field bio-efficacy trials and residue quantification in tea necessary for the registration of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and plant growth regulators.
• Service to Small Growers: The regional centres of UPASI TRF offer services to small tea growers by extending advice and analytical services.
• Training Programmes: TRF organizes training programmes on situation warranted relevant topics as well as on entire gamut of tea cultivation for the benefit of executives, field staff and workforce. Factory staff benefited through the training programme on tea manufacture.
• Industrial Training: UPASI TRI offers short-term industrial training programme in biotechnology, biochemistry and microbiology to the undergraduate and postgraduate students belonging to various academic institutions at the nominal cost. Students (M.Sc./B.Tech. Biotech) preferred to do their project work as an integral part of their course also given opportunity at TRI to complete their curriculum for a period of maximum three months. Lectures are delivered by subject experts for the benefit of students from universities and colleges visiting the TRI.
• Undertaking projects/schemes funded by outside agencies.

Organization Chart

• Board of Trustees.
• Management Committee.
• UPASI Tea Research Foundation comprises of Tea Research Institute-Valparai, six Advisory Centres, and Tea Experimental Farm-Valparai.
• UPASI Tea Research Institute: Following Divisions are functioning – Botany, Chemistry, Entomology, Pesticide Residue, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, and Tea Technology.
• Advisory Centres: Six regional advisory centres are functioning at Coonoor and Gudalur in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu; Koppa in Karnataka, Meppadi, Munnar and Vandiperiyar in Kerala.

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

The Tea Experimental Station was initially set up at Davershola (Gudalur) during pre-independence and was shifted to Valparai by 1966.

During the course of time, in 1964, a substation was instituted at Vandiperiyar, Kerala to cater the requirements of tea planters at Peermedu and Central Travancore region. Later, in order to maintain a systematic knowledge transfer system from the scientists of UPASI and enable to adopt the same by the tea industry, advisory centres were established over the period and the first advisory centre started functioning in Munnar (High Range) during 1968 followed by Coonoor (The Nilgiris) and Meppadi (Wayanad) in 1971, Gudalur (Nilgiri-Wayanad) in 1980 and Durgadbetta (Chikmagalur, Karnataka) in 1987. The Durgadbetta centre was shifted to TRF’s own building in 2002 which was more centrally situated in Koppa considering the tea growing regions of Karnataka.

The UPASI found it necessary to form a separate Tea Research Foundation for the better administration of scientific research pertaining to cultivation, production and processing of tea and other allied aspects and thus formed UPASI Tea Research Foundation in 1999.

POWER AND DUTIES OF ITS OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Powers and duties of officers (administrative, financial and judicial)

Employees are categories into Scientific, Technical and Administrative categories. The Competent Authority is the Director of UPASI TRF. Each department has standardised guidelines to carry out the assigned work. The officers of TRF carryout duties as per the objectives specified in the Trust Deed of the Foundation and mandate of Trustees/Managing Committee.

Power and duties of other employees

The employees work as per the direction of Director and the respective Department Heads. 

While discharging the duties and responsibilities assigned, the officers, staff and workmen of the Foundation are complying with the various applicable provisions and rules & regulations framed by the Foundation.

Rules/ orders under which powers and duty are derived

As per the Service Rules of UPASI

Work allocation

Compliance of conditions stipulated by the UPASI Service Rules, as modified from time to time. The Secretary and the Director allocated work through Head of Departments in Valparai and the Dy./Asst. Directors/Advisory Officers in the Regional Advisory Centres.

PROCEDURE FOLLOWED IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Process of decision making Identify key decision-making points

The business of the Foundation is managed by the Board of Trustees of UPASI Tea Research Foundation. Key decisions are taken at the Trustees meeting. 

Final decision-making authority

Board of Trustees of UPASI Tea Research Foundation

Related provisions, acts, rules etc.

As per provisions of UPASI TRF Trust Deed. And other applicable statutory laws.

Time limit for taking decisions, if any

As per Trustees discretionary powers

Channel of supervision and accountability

The day to day administration of the Foundation is carried out by the Management Committee/Tea Committee. It exercise powers and execute duties delegated by the Board of Trustees. The decision of the Committee is placed before the Board of Trustees from time to time for information of the Board.

NORMS FOR DISCHARGE OF FUNCTIONS

Nature of functions/ services offered

• To carry out and promote research and other scientific work connected with the cultivation, production and processing of tea and other related aspects as may be decided upon by the Foundation.
• To provide funds towards all or any of the objects of the Foundation.
• To accept grants of money and of land, buildings and equipment, donations, gifts, rights conferred, subscriptions and other assistance, with a view to promoting the objects of the Foundation, from the Government, the Tea Board, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and other public bodies, corporations, companies, associations or persons for the purpose of the Foundation, on such conditions as may be agreed to.
• To enter into any agreement with any Association or organization, Government, local authority, corporation, person, or any other body, for acquiring or taking over by way of lease, sub-lease, purchase, gift or otherwise, lands, buildings, fixtures, equipment, furniture, scientific records, experimental data, library and technical books, or properties movable or immovable of any kind, either tangible or intangible, or for giving aid or assistance on such terms and conditions as may be deemed expedient or reasonable for promoting the objects of the Association, and to construct, erect, alter, improve and maintain any building and to manage, develop, sell, let, mortgage, dispose off, turn to account or otherwise deal with all or part of the same and any property, or invention process or patent right.
• To borrow or raise any money that may be required by the Foundation upon such terms as may be deemed advisable and in particular and with the approval of the Tea Board and UPASI Executive Committee to secure the payment of any money borrowed, raised or owing, by the issue of debentures, bills of exchange, promissory notes, or other obligations or securities of the Association or mortgage or charge of all or any part of the property of the Foundation.
• To arrange for the registration and recognition of the Foundation and to pay all expenses, preliminary or incidental to the formation of the Foundation and its registration.
• To invest the funds of the Foundation not immediately required in any one or more of the modes of investment for the time being authorized by law for the investment of trust funds with full power to alter, vary or transfer such investments in accordance with the law for the time being in force.
• To undertake and execute any trusts which may be conductive to any of the objectives of the Foundation.
• To establish, support, or aid in the establishment and support of Foundations, Institutions, funds and trusts created to benefit employees or former employees of the Foundation or family or dependants of such persons, and to grant pension and/ or allowances to such persons to constitute, maintain and control branches or centres of the Foundation in India and to modify or abolish the same.
• To employ the skilled workers and professional technical advisers and all the personnel necessary to carry out the objects of the Foundation and to pay therefore such remuneration as may be considered reasonable.
• To do all such other lawful things as may be incidental to or conductive to the attainment of the above objects.

Norms/ standards for functions/ service delivery

UPASI Tea Research Foundation is deeply committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity and quality in research, analysis and extension work.

Process by which these services can be accessed

The Foundation assures all personnel concerned are familiarized with quality documentation and implementation.  Further assure accuracy in analysis, the reliability of results and promptness in service ensuring conformance to national and international standards.

Time-limit for achieving the targets

As assigned by the Managing Committee/Tea Committee.

RULES, REGULATIONS, INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL AND RECORDS FOR DISCHARGING FUNCTIONS

Title and nature of the record/ manual /instruction

Trust Deed of UPASI Tea Research Foundation

List of Rules, regulations, instructions manuals and records

Trust Deed of UPASI Tea Research Foundation and UPASI Service Rules

Acts/ Rules manuals etc.

Indian Trust Act, 1982 and the Trust Deed of UPASI Tea Research Foundation

Transfer policy and transfer orders

As per UPASI Service Rules

CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS HELD BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER ITS CONTROL

Categories of documents

Research Documents

Custodian of documents/categories

UPASI Tea Research Foundation

BOARDS, COUNCILS, COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES CONSTITUTED AS PART OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY

Name of Boards, Council, Committee etc.

Trustees of UPASI Tea Research Foundation

Composition

Trustees of UPASI Tea Research Foundation consists of members not exceeding 15 and they have to nominated by the Executive Committee of UPASI, Two representatives of the Government of India nominated by the Ministry of Commerce, GoI and three representatives of the Tea Board, including the Chairman, Tea Board.

Dates from which constituted

Constituted during 1999. Lastly reconstituted on 29.9.2018

Term/ Tenure

One Year

DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Name and designation of employees as on Jan-2021

System of compensation as provided in its regulations:

As per UPASI Service Rules

NAME, DESIGNATION AND OTHER PARTICULARS OF PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS

Name and designation of the public information officer (PIO), Assistant Public Information (s) & Appellate Authority

Dr R. Victor J. Ilango , Director in Charge

UPASI Tea Research Foundation Nirar Dam BPO Valparai – 642 127, Coimbatore Dist Mob no: 9443114210

UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Nirar Dam PO, Valparai 642 127, Coimbatore District.

E-mail  : director@upasitearesearch.org

BUDGET ALLOCATED TO EACH AGENCY INCLUDING ALL PLANS, PROPOSED EXPENDITURE AND REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENTS MADE ETC.

Total Budget for the public authority

49% of five heads of Expenditure and 31 % of Research Projects of UPASI Tea Research Foundation.

Budget for each agency and plan & programmes

Five specified expenditure namely;

Salaries & allowances (Incl. of Medical, PF & Gratuity)

Printing and Stationery

Lighting & Water Supply

Travelling Allowance

Consumable for R & D

49 % of Total Expenditure of the above

Expenditures for 2019-2020

PROPOSED EXPENDITURES FOR 2020-2021

Salaries & allowances (Incl. of Medical, PF & Gratuity)	Rs.242 Lakhs
Printing and Stationery	Rs. 5 Lakhs
Lighting & Water Supply	Rs. 22 Lakhs
Travelling Allowance	30 Lakhs
Consumable for R & D	Rs. 20 Lakhs

INFORMATION

Name & details of (a) Current CPIOs & FAAs (b) Earlier CPIO & FAAs from 1.1.2015

Dr R. Victor J. Ilango, Director in Charge (Public Information officer)

Mr R. Sanjith, Secretary (First Appellate Authority)

UPASI TRF had represented to the CPIO & Under Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry vide letter dated 10th February 2018 that UPASI TRF is not a Public Authority as defined under the Right to Information Act 2005 for the reasons stated in the said letter and requested to delist UPASI TRF from the list of Public Authorities under the Dept. of Commerce, GoI.

The Department Commerce has informed that our representation is under consideration of DOP & T and their comments are awaited in this regard.

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Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

(Department of Personnel and Training)

New Delhi dated 28^th October 2005

In exercise of the powers conferred by clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (2) of section 27 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:

1)      Short title and commencement

• These rules may be called the Central Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005.
• They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2)      Definitions – In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires

• “Act” means the Right to Information Act, 2005;
• “Section” means section of the Act;
• “Commission” means the Central Information Commission;
• Words and expressions used herein and not defined but defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in that Act.

3)      Contents of appeal

An appeal to the Commission shall contain the following information, namely:

• Name and address of the appellant;
• Name and address of the Central Public Information Officer against the decision of whom the appeal is preferred;
• Particulars of the order including number, if any, against which the appeal is preferred;
• Brief facts leading to the appeal;
• If the appeal is preferred against deemed refusal, the particulars of the application, including number and date and name and address of the Central Public Information Officer to whom the application was made;
• Prayer or relief sought;
• Grounds for the prayer or relief;
• Verification by the appellant; and
• Any other information which the Commission may deem necessary for deciding the appeal.

4)      Documents to accompany appeal

Every appeal made to the Commission shall be accompanied by the following documents, namely;

• Self-attested copies of the Orders or documents against which the appeal is being preferred;
• Copies of documents relied upon by the appellant and referred to in the appeal; and
• An index of the documents referred to in the appeal.

5)      Procedure in deciding appeal

In deciding the appeal the Commission may

• hear oral or written evidence on oath or on affidavit from concerned or interested person;
• peruse or inspect documents, public records or copies thereof;
• inquire through authorised officer further details or facts;
• hear Central Public Information Officer, Central Assistant Public Information Officer or such Senior Officer who decide the first appeal, or such person against whom the complaint is made, as the case may be;
• hear third party; and
• receive evidence on affidavits from Central Public Information Officer, Central Assistant Public Information Officer, such Senior Officer who decided the first appeal, such person against whom the complaint lies or the third party.

6)      Service of notice by Commission

Notice to be issued by the Commission may be served in any of the following modes, namely

• service by the party itself;
• by hand delivery (dasti) through Process Server;
• by registered post with acknowledgement due; or
• Through Head of office or Department.

7)      Personal presence of the appellant or complainant

• The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall in every case be informed of the date of hearing at least seven clear days before that date.
• The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may at his discretion at the time of hearing of the appeal or complaint by the Commission be present in person or through his duly authorized representative or may opt not to be present.
• Where the Commission is satisfied that the circumstances exist due to which the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, is being prevented from attending the hearing of the Commission, then, the Commission may afford the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, another opportunity of being heard before a final decision is taken or take any other appropriate action as it may deem fit.
• The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person in the process of the appeal while presenting his points and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.

8)      Order of the Commission

Order of the Commission shall be pronounced in open proceedings and be in writing duly authenticated by the Registrar or any other officer authorised by the Commission for this purpose.

[F.No. 1/4/2005-IR]

(T. JACOB)

Joint Secretary to the Government of India

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As per above, UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Valparai- 642 127, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, is notified as Public Authority in terms of Section 2(h) of the RTI Act 2005 (Ref: No.1/2/Sect/2005/2435) with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, GoI.

Nodal / Co-coordinating Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)	First Appellate Authority
Dr R. Victor J. Ilango Director in Charge UPASI Tea Research Foundation Valparai Phone : +91 4253 235301, 235229 (D) E-mail : director@upasitearesearch.org	Mr R. Sanjith, Secretary UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Coonoor Phone : +91 423 2230270 E-mail : upasi@upasi.org

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Details as per section 4(1) of RTI Act, 2005 is included in the website elsewhere

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