Partition of Agricultural & Scientific Institutions: Reports of Expert Committee No. I

Sub title : Negotiations on Research Institutes, Survey of India, Machinery, and Commodity Committees

Subject: Agricultural Research Institutes | Scientific Institutions | Survey of India | Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Date of publication: 1947

Language: English

Page: 93 p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28044

Keyword: Expert Committee No. I -- Agriculture Department -- Research Institutes | Survey of India -- Indian Dairy Research Institute | Locust Control -- Asset division -- Library valuation -- ICAR -- Commodity Committees -- M.A. Jinnah

Abstract: This document set comprises the report and memoranda from Expert Committee No. I concerning the partition of agricultural and scientific departments and institutions. It details negotiations and recommendations for dividing or managing entities such as the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Indian Dairy Research Institute, Survey of India, Central Agricultural Machinery Bureau, Locust Control Organisation, and various commodity committees (Cotton, Jute, Tobacco, etc.). The papers reveal significant disagreements between committee members on issues like the valuation of libraries and forests, the location of key institutes (e.g., the Dairy Institute), and the principle of joint administration versus complete division. Minutes of dissent and replies are included, highlighting the contentious nature of splitting scientific capital and research infrastructure.

Description: This collection provides a critical view into the complex partition of India's scientific and agricultural infrastructure. Moving beyond administrative offices, these documents deal with the division of intellectual and research assets—libraries, botanical collections, experimental livestock, surveying equipment, and specialized machinery. The inclusion of dissenting notes (e.g., from members Aziz Ahmed and Junaid) offers a rare glimpse into the heated debates over the valuation and allocation of irreplaceable resources. Key themes include the struggle to establish Pakistan's independent research capabilities, the reluctance to accept joint administration of unique facilities like the Survey Research Institute, and the legal complexities surrounding statutory bodies like the ICAR. These reports were fundamental to shaping the agricultural and scientific foundations of both nascent states, directly impacting the policy environment for leaders like M.A. Jinnah. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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