The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, has been honored with the prestigious National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Silver) for its National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD). The award, under Category IV (Research on Citizen-Centric Services by Academic/Research Institutions), was presented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India.
The Silver Award, which includes a citation and a prize of Rs. 5.0 lakhs, was conferred during the 27th National Conference on e-Governance held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The event was graced by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who presented the awards.
Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), and Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, were present to receive the award on behalf of the institute.
ICAR-NBFGR is currently coordinating the second phase of NSPAAD, which is funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. The program is implemented through ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes and College of Fisheries across various states.
The institute has also developed the “ReportFishDisease” app to enhance farmer-based reporting of fish diseases and provide timely scientific advice, further strengthening its commitment to aquatic animal health management.