Minister for Forests, Ecology & Environment, Bali Bhagat, convened a meeting of senior officers and reviewed the overall functioning of the department, here today.Principal Secretary Forests, Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. A.K. Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. Deepak Khanna, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Mr. Nissar Ahmed, Managing Director, SFC, Mr. Arun Tikoo and other officers of forest department were present in the meeting.The Minister received detailed account of activities and status of various decisions taken in the previous meetings pertaining to the functioning of the department. He called upon the officers to adopt proactive approach in implementing various schemes and achieving the results on ground in a transparent manner. He issued categorical instructions to the officers to attend people’s grievances on priority and make their appropriate disposal. He directed improving the delivery system in the Department adding that HoDs should conduct field visits frequently to take stock of the functioning in the subordinate units.
Regarding the sale of timber through Departmental Sales outlets, the Minister directed for highlighting the revised rates of timber through the electronic media. He also discussed the supply and demand of timber for the flood sufferers and general masses through the departmental sale outlets and directed for a foolproof mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in the supply system.Later, a deputation of Forest Employees Federation called on the Minister and put forth a memorandum of demands and problems faced by the employees of the Department. The demands highlighted included timely promotions, change of designation, timely issue of seniority lists, regularization of Daily Wagers/Contractual and allied issues pertaining to the welfare of the employees.The Minister issued on-the-spot instructions to the Principal Secretary Forests, PCCF and CCF to examine their issues on priority and resolve them on merit. He asked the employees to work with zeal and dedication and Government will take care of their all outstanding issues.