Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) is an independent recruitment agency established in India to manage recruitment to various posts in the agricultural research services.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements regarding ASRB and ICAR:
- Statement (I) is correct: The ASRB was established in 1973 based on the recommendations of the Gajendragadkar Committee.
Its primary mandate is to conduct competitive examinations (such as the Agricultural Research Service or ARS exam) and interviews to recruit and recommend scientists and other technical personnel for placement within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Statement (II) is incorrect: To ensure unbiased, objective recruitment, the ASRB functions as an independent, autonomous body.
It is headed by its own dedicated, full-time Chairman.
The Director General (DG) of the ICAR is the administrative head of ICAR and serves as the Secretary to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), but does not hold the position of Chairman of the ASRB.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect, making Option (C) the correct choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is: Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.