8/12/2019 Editorial 42(Eng)

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VOL. XXXVIII NO. 42 PAGES 88 NEW DELHI 18 - 24 JANUARY 2014 ` 8.00

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE 14TH FINANCE COMMISSIONSona Mitra

CAREER IN GEOPHYSICS

WEB EXCLUSIVESFollowing item is available in the Web

Exclusives section on www.employ-

mentnews.gov.in :

1. GSAT-14 Communication Satellite

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

Railway Recruitment Boardsrequires 26567 Assistant LocoPilot & Technicians.

Last Date : 17.02.2014

RAILWAY

5121 ASC BN (MT) (Civ GT) invitesapplications for recruitment of 100Group 'C' posts.

Last Date : 21 days after publication

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Staff Selection Commission noti-fies Combined Graduate Level

Examination-2014Last Date : 14.02.2014

Staff Selection Commission(Eastern Region) invites applica-tions for various posts.

Last Date : 17.02.2014

SSC

T he Indian Constitution provides a fed-eral structure to the nation which isoften noted as a federalism with strong'unitary features'. Part XI of theConstitution provides the framework forthe power distribution between the feder-al government (the Centre) and theStates. However, similar to many federalConstitutions, the Indian Constitution isalso characterised by an imbalancebetween the functional responsibilitiesand the financial powers at different lev-els of government. In terms of the natureand quantum of intergovernmental trans-fer of resources between the national andsub-national governments, there havebeen a number of contentions in India'sfiscal architecture. The IndianConstitution vests the Centre with greaterpowers of taxation and also provides foran institutional mechanism to determinethe share of the States in the Central taxrevenues. The Constitution provides forthe Finance Commission (FC) in Article280 in order to facilitate the mechanism ofthese transfers and therefore correct thisimbalance. This constitutes one of themost important functions of the FC. In

deciding on the devolution of taxes andthe provision of grants, the FC is requiredto address the vertical imbalance(between the Centre and the States) andalso the horizontal imbalance, i.e. the onebetween the States with varying fiscalcapacities but similar responsibilities inthe provision of public services. The FC isformed once every five years, and cur-rently the centre-state sharing ofresources are being guided by the recom-mendations of the 13th FC (2010-2015).The 14th FC, announced in 2013, withShri Y. V. Reddy as its Chairman, hasalready embarked upon its task for formu-lating recommendations for the period2015-16 to 2019-20.In the last two decades a major issue that

has evolved in the existing debates anddiscussions regarding the transfer ofresources to the states has been that of areversed tendency of accentuated pow-

ers with the Centre and reduced fiscalautonomy along with a policy roadmap ofstringent fiscal consolidation at the sub-national level being pursued by the UnionGovernment. The growing role of thePlanning Commission, rise in the numberof Centrally Sponsored Schemes andtransfer of resources to States tied to thebroad / specific objectives of the CentralMinistries have been the basis for criti-cism of the Central Government. One ofthe main reasons for the States to per-ceive the transfers recommended by thePlanning Commission as tied funds is thatthe proportion of Normal Central

Assistance (the formula-based compo-nent of the Central Assistance for State &UT Plans) in the Gross BudgetarySupport of the Centre for the national FiveYear Plan has been only around 10 per-cent in the 11th Plan as well as in the 12thPlan.In such a backdrop, the FC has beenlooked upon by the States as the mainsource of untied transfers comprising theStates' share in central taxes and statuto-ry Grants-in-aid. However, it has beennoted in several commentaries by the pol-

icy experts that rising tendencies of cen-tralization has not been restricted only totransfers made by the PlanningCommission. In the last decade, FCtransfers have also been showing similartendencies. The broader trends in devolu-tions from Centre to States show that theratio between Non-plan grants and Plangrants has declined substantially, indicat-ing the increase in the tied nature of fundtransfers to States.The trends of central transfers to Statesshow that while grants as a proportion ofGross Devolution and Transfers (GDT)have increased slightly over the last twodecades, Non-plan grants as a proportionof both total grants as well as GDT havedisplayed stagnation. While Plan grants

have been increasing during this period,the Non-plan grants, which form bulk ofthe untied transfers to States, havedeclined thus imposing restrictions on

States in their expenditure decisions.Therefore, the contention of verticalresource sharing by the Centre andStates in a manner to uphold the federalnature is one of the major challengesbeing faced by the 14th FC.The other important factor affecting thegovernance and quality of servicesoffered by States is directly linked to theabove contention and is supposedlyanother important matter which needs theintervention of the 14th FC. The roadmapof fiscal consolidation and increasedtransfers with conditionalities has createdseveral restrictions on the States in termsof recruitment of regular cadre staff in theState Government departments in sectorslike, education, health, water and sanita-tion, rural development and agriculture,among others. This is one of the main fac-tors affecting the coverage as well asquality of government interventions inthese crucial sectors across many States.It is important to note here that the prob-lem of staff shortage is likely to be moreacute in skilled / technical staff positions(including all three kinds of such staff, viz.programme managerial staff, finance and

accounts staff, and skilled serviceproviders) than the unskilled / supportstaff positions. Moreover, the extent ofshortages, as depicted by several gov-ernment data sources, are with referenceto the number of posts sanctioned in dif-ferent States, which is likely to be dated inmany cases.

A probable reason for this problem ofshortage of staff has been the attempt toeliminate the Revenue Deficit (and evenshow a Revenue Surplus, in some cases)by the States in order to perform better inthe count of fiscal capacity. Such meas-ures seem to have checked the levels oflong-term expenditure commitments ofthe State governments by freezing therecruitments in regular cadres of their

departments for more than a decade now.In the prevailing fiscal architecture in thecountry, the Finance Commission is theonly institution, which can address this

concern of the State Governments tomake long-term expenditure commit-ments on staff / human resources. Hence,the Fourteenth Finance Commission needsto pay attention to this problem and explorethe possible remedies in the domain ofsharing of untied resources with StateGovernments as well as the kind of ' fiscal con-solidation' strategies that State Governmentsshould follow during 2015-16 to 2019-20.The final challenge faced by the 14th FCrelates to elementary yet the most con-tentious issue of equalisation amongStates apart from the fundamental princi-ples governing the financial relationsbetween the Centre and the States. Asmentioned, while it is important toaddress the existing vertical imbalance, itis equally vital to reduce the horizontalimbalance as both complement eachother. The inter-State inequality onaccount of differences in fiscal capacity iscompounded by two major factors. TheStates with low income levels are also theones with large population. It impliesgreater transfers of additional resources ifthere has to be an impact on equalisation.Further, some States have certain geo-

graphical and climatic factors that haveextra cost implications for the Centre.Therefore, an explicit equalisationmethodology needs to be developed totackle this systemic problem, which thenforms the third major challenge for the14th FC. In order to achieve this, the cur-rent FC needs to first take a call onwhether to accept the States' preferenceof increased revenue-sharing, rather thanprovide for more Grants-in-aid in thescheme of transfer of funds. Although thispoint has been a major contention foralmost all the FCs constituted so far, ithas also remained the most ticklish prob-lem for all of them. Finding a suitablesolution therefore constitutes a herculeantask for the Commission.

(The author works with the Centre forBudget and GovernanceAccountability, New Delhi and can bereached at sona@cbgaindia.org)

I f you are exploring career opportunities in interdisciplinaryscience fields then Geophysics is an option you cannotignore. Geophysics is an ideal career option for you, if you are

good at Physics and Mathematics, and are fascinated by Earth

Science.

Geophysics is an interdisciplinary science of Geology and

Physics. It is a branch of Earth Science that focuses on apply-

ing quantitative physical methods to explore, examine and

measure the properties of Earth. It deals with the application ofPhysics to study the nature and environment of Earth, right from

volcanoes to depths of oceans. Atmospheric physics, oceanog-

raphy, climatology, petroleum geophysics, environmental geo-

physics, and mining geophysics are all specialised areas under

Geophysics.

Geophysics finds application in different walks of life. Some of

them are: study of Earth's behaviour, study of natural hazards

like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides, exploration,

location and exploration of resources like oil and gas, minerals

and ground water, civil engineering: evaluation of areas for

dams and other constructions; identify underground utility and

void; test ground strength, environmental applications: map the

depth of bedrock; delineating landfill and forensic investigation:

map buried objects beneath soil or water

Academics

To pursue career as a Geophysicist, you should acquire a post-

graduate or research degree in the subject. A postgraduate

degree in a relevant field or sub-field can also qualify you to take

up career in this field. At Bachelor's level, you can pursue

Geophysics, Geology or Physics.

There are several institutes in India that offer courses in

Geophysics. Some of the subjects covered in these courses are

quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, structural geography,

ecological science, mathematics mineralogy and gravity.

Nature of Job

Work in the field of Geophysics can provide immense job satis-

faction because opportunities in this field are quite challenging

and provide tremendous scope for learning and growth. Job

roles are quite varied just as there are a variety of specialised

areas within this field. You can assume a suitable job role based

on your expertise and interests. For instance, if your specialisa-

tion is seismology, you can work as a seismologist, studying

seismic reading and trying to predict earthquakes; as techno

physicist you will be studying the movement of tectonic plates.

Some more job roles you can assume are environmental geo-

physicists, mining geophysicists, atmospheric physicist, marine

geophysicists, petroleum geophysicists, gravity geophysicist,

electromagnetic geophysicist, electrical geophysicist and mag-

netic geophysicist.

Continued on page 88

8/12/2019 Editorial 42(Eng)

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88 www.employmentnews.gov.in Employment News 18 - 24 January 2014

DELHI POSTAL REGD. NO. DL-SW-1/4101/2012-14U(C)-108/2012-14 Licensed to Post without prepayment RNI 28728/76 N.D.P.S.O. New Delhi 17/18.01.2014 Date of Publishing : 13.01.2014 (` 8.00)

Air Surcharge 20p for Srinagar, Leh, Kalimpong, Imphal, Dimapur, Agartala, Duliajan, Karimganj, Chabua, Diphu, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Haillakandi, Mariani, Jorhat, Shillong, Digboi, Silchar, Port Blair

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting forbringing out a comprehensive regulatory framework in the form of guidelines for TelevisionRating Agencies in India. These guidelines cover detailed procedures for registration of ratingagencies, eligibility norms, terms and conditions of registration, cross-holdings, methodology foraudience measurement, a complaint redressal mechanism, sale and use of ratings, audit, dis-closure, reporting requirements and action on non-compliance of guidelines etc.

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for introduction of the National Youth Policy-2014 (NYP-2014) replacing NYP-2003 currently in force. The vision of NYP-2014 is to empower youth toachieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the com-munity of nations. For achieving this vision, the policy identifies five well-defined objectives and11 priority areas and suggests policy interventions in each priority area. The priority areas areeducation, skill development and employment, entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyle,sports, promotion of social values, community engagement, participation in politics and gover-nance, youth engagement, inclusion and social justice.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Healthand Family Welfare relating to the centrally sponsored scheme for up-gradation of existing StateGovernment/Central Government medical colleges to increase the Bachelor of Medicine andBachelor of Surgery (MBBS) seats in the country. This will result in the increase of about 10,000seats at a total cost of Rs. 10,000 crore.

The GSAT-14 communication satellite was put into orbit by the Geo-synchronous SatelliteLaunch Vehicle (GSLV-D5). The ISRO successfully executed the satellite's first orbit-raisingmanoeuvre, giving commands to the satellite's propulsion system called the Liquid ApogeeMotor (LAM). (for more details see web exclusive)

The Strategic Forces Command test-fired Prithvi-II, a surface-to-surface strategic missile from amobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range, near Chandipur, in Odisha. The missile, which cancarry a nuclear warhead of 500 kg, lifted off and covered its full range of 350 km.

Kochi has taken its place on the world LNG map with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dedicat-ing a liquefied natural gas terminal here to the nation. The Rs. 4,500-crore terminal, which start-ed functioning four months ago, was officially launched at a function held at Puthuvypeen. The

project, with a capacity of 5 MMTPA (million metric tonne per annum) is built by Petronet LNGLimited.

World No. 1 Serena Williams won the season-opening WTA Brisbane International tennis tour-nament when she beat second seed Victoria Azarenka. Serena won a close first set then edged

Azarenka in the second to win a tense final 6-4, 7-5 in 98 minutes. The American won the bat-tle between the top two players to pick up her 58th career title.

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EWS DIGE

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Job responsibilities

Based on the job role, some of the responsibilities of Geophysicists include:Designing, planning and executing geophysical investigations , acquiring geophysicaldata using instruments below the Earth or from satellites, recording and sharing thedata with stakeholders, analysing seismic sections and maps, maintaining the stan-dards of seismic data collection, Interpreting geo-scientific data to locate resources,supervising technical aspects of projects and managing teams, creating maps andproviding environmental consultancyJobs

Job opportunities for Geophysicists are in government organisations, PSUS, researchorganisations, business organisations and educational institutions. Geological Surveyof India, Ministry of Mines hires Geophysicists. The recruitment is based on perform-ance in entrance test and interview conducted by the UPSC. NGRI, Central groundwater board (CGWB), Atomic Minerals Division (AMD), ONGC, Oil India Ltd, CoalIndia limited, SAIL (R&D), and Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd are some more organisa-tions hire these professionals. Coming to opportunities in the private sector, Shell,Reliance Natural Resources Ltd and Essar Oil Ltd are some companies that can pro-vide opportunities to Geophysicists.Skill setsThe job of Geophysicists is mostly out door. So, get into this field if you like travellingand have the ability to survive in extreme physical conditions. However, some jobsinvolve desk work like using computers for modelling and calculations. If you take upa job in the area of research your job would be mostly studying the internal structureand evolution of the earth, its properties and behaviour in terms of seismic activity,magnetic fields and electric fields.To succeed as a Geophysicist, you need strong foundation in science subjects. Youshould be acquainted with different instruments used to record geophysical data.

Also, the nature of work is research-based. So curiosity, fascination with natural phe-nomena, attention to details, and analytic bend of mind are a must. Decent knowledgeof computer and software platforms will give you an edge over others.

Colleges and Courses

College Course Eligibility Admission Website

Department M.Sc in Bachelor's Performance www.geos.iitb.ac.inof Earth Applied degree with in JAMScience, Geophysics MathematicsIndian or PhysicsInstitute of and anyTechnology one fromBombay Geology,

Chemistry,Statistics,ElectronicsandComputerSciences

Andhra M.Sc B. Sc with Performance www.andhrauniversity.infoUniversity, (Tech) Mathematics in entranceVisakhapatnam in and Physics test

Geophysics

Indian M.Sc. B.Sc in Performance www.ismdhanbad.ac.inSchool of Tech in relevant in entranceMines Applied discipline testUniversity, GeophysicsDhanbad

College Course Eligibility Admission Website

Osmania M.Sc in B.Sc with Performance www.osmania.ac.in

University, Geophysics Physics in entrance

Hyderabad and test in

Mathematics Physics

University M.Tech in Minimum 60 Performance www.upesindia.org

of Petroleum Petroleum per cent in interview

and Energy Exploration marks at

Studies, Higher and

Rajahmundry Senior

Secondarylevel and

B.Tech in

Chemical/

Mechanical/

or M. Sc in

Geology/

Geophysics/

Physics with

minimum 60

per cent

marks

Cochin M.Sc. B.Sc with at Performance www.cusat.nic.in.

University Marine least 55 per in CUSAT-

of Science Geophysics cent marks in CAT

and Geology withTechnology, Mathematics

Cochin and Physics/

Chemistry or

Physics with

Mathematics

and Geology/

Chemistry/

Electronics or

Mathematics

with Physics

and Geology/

Chemistry

Banaras M.Sc Minimum 50 Performance www.bhu.ac.in

Hindu (Tech) in per cent in entrance

University, Geophysics marks in test

Benaras B.Sc withMathematics

and Physics

Sri M.Sc in B.Sc with Performance www.svuniversity.in

Venkateswara Geology Geology in entrance

University, test

Tirupathi

(The write up is contributed by TMIE2E Academy Career Centre based in

Secunderabad. Email-faqs@tmie2e.com)

CAREER IN ...Continued from page 1

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