Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh chaired the first General Body meeting of the newly formed Earth System Sciences Council (ESSC) as President of the Council.
He announced that five autonomous institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences now operate under a single umbrella after merging five separate societies into one.
Dr Singh declared that the days of working in silos are over. Furthermore, he explained that this consolidation reflects the “Whole of the Government” approach often reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the unified structure will improve efficiency, reduce administrative overlap, and strengthen the public identity of India’s earth sciences institutions.
Officials briefed the Minister on the integration process. They noted that while each institute will retain its identity and mandate, they will now function through a coordinated governance mechanism. Moreover, the Cabinet approved this consolidation earlier, and ESSC was formally registered in December 2023.
During the meeting, Dr Singh emphasised the importance of consistency and clarity in the new structure. He advised that official documents should prominently highlight ESSC to reinforce its identity. In addition, he encouraged the use of functional designations rather than individual names in committee listings to ensure uniformity.
The Minister highlighted the need for stronger public communication. He pointed out that institutions specialising in ocean science, cryosphere research, and atmospheric systems often fail to reach the public effectively. Therefore, he suggested theme-based outreach campaigns to showcase achievements and build a stronger national presence.
Members also discussed parliamentary reporting. ESSC currently submits multiple reports for different institutes, but the Council is considering a single consolidated annual report. Consequently, Dr Singh advised further consultation with parliamentary authorities before finalising the proposal.
The meeting reviewed annual reports for 2023–24 and stressed the importance of concise, accessible summaries. Dr Singh urged directors to present focused highlights that clearly showcase achievements.
Finally, the session concluded with an agreement to refine the integrated governance model further. As India advances major national missions such as the Deep Ocean Mission and the Blue Economy initiative, ESSC’s streamlined functioning will play a central role in coordinating scientific research essential for climate resilience, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development.
