At its meeting held at Delhi last evening, the BoM formally appointed Rati Ram and Sudhir Chandra, who were earlier nominated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and also cleared by the Central government. Rati Ram is the chairman of Cooperative Consumer Stores Federation, Chandigarh, while Sudhir is the MD of Asian Diet Private Ltd, Gurgaon.

According to highly-placed varsity sources, the World Bank provides long-term loan under the AHRD every year, to improve the faculty development, computerisation, training of scientists, library modernisation etc. ``This year too, the WB has sanctioned loans worth Rs 18.37 crore under AHRD,''sources revealed.

In another important decision, the BOM has cleared a 25 per cent raise in its annual budget from Rs 58.71 crore last year, to Rs 73.37 crore for the financial year 1999-2000. Besides, Rs 18.37 crore have been earmarked for AHRD projects against last year's Rs 5.75 crore. ``The raise has been made primarily to meet the extra burden of implementation of revised pay-scales to its employees,'' sources further disclosed.

The budget also excludes 10 schemes financed by ICAR after the expiry of the respective projects. Out of the total budget of Rs 91.60 crore, which includes Rs 18.73 crore for AHRD projects, Rs 86.85 crore will be received as grants from the state government, ICAR and other financing agencies, while the varsity will generate Rs 4.75 crore from its own resources. ``At present, 86 of the 410 schemes in operation are sponsored by ICAR,'' sources said.

The BOM has also authorised Vice-Chancellor J.B. Chowdhury to release revised pay-scales to its teachers after getting approval from the state government.

Among other decisions, cases of promotions of scientists and other staff, which were placed before the BOM have been approved, while comptroller D.R. Maini's deputation period has been extended by one year. The varsity VC has also been authorised to decide about the mode of payment of arrears to the teachers.

Earlier, HAU Teachers Association (HAUTA), at its general body meeting held here, urged the state government to notify the revised pay-scales without further delay. HAUTA deputation, also met Chief Minister Bansi Lal during his visit here, on Sunday and urged him to announce implementation of revised pay-scales, as already cleared by ICAR.