Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 22: The human resource framework of the Forest Department in Jammu and Kashmir is facing a “grave crisis” due to prolonged administrative inertia and delays in decision-making, with officers alleging that systemic neglect has pushed the gazetted cadre into a “deeply precarious position.”
The Forest Officers Association said stagnation has become “the defining feature of the department,” with officers serving for decades without timely promotions or functional upgradation, leading to “widespread frustration and demoralization.”
The Association recently met the Commissioner/Secretary Forests and the Forest Minister, submitting a detailed account of issues along with “practical and implementable solutions.” It urged the Government to convene an all stakeholders meeting to address structural bottlenecks.
However, officers said a “concerning lack of urgency persists,” adding that despite repeated representations, their concerns remain largely unaddressed. They alleged the bureaucracy is inclined towards “maintaining status quo rather than fostering a fair, transparent” system.
Highlighting the severity, the Association noted that 1995 batch Range Officers Grade-I are retiring after over 30 years of service with only one promotion, while many have not received due promotions or Non-Functional Scale (NFS), causing “severe financial and professional disadvantage.”
Calling it “deeply ironic,” the Association said institutions like the PCCF Office and Secretariat have contributed to “confusion and litigation,” stalling induction into the Indian Forest Service (IFS) since 2011. This, it said, has allowed direct recruits to hold multiple posts, “skewing the system.”
Disparities in promotion eligibility across departments and delays in granting NFS were cited as examples of “administrative apathy.” The Association also flagged anomalies in pay structure, noting entry-level Range Officers receive non-gazetted scales despite gazetted status.
Officers alleged they are made to handle higher responsibilities without charge allowance while being denied promotions.
Warning the situation is reaching a “tipping point,” the Association said frustration may lead to “organized dissent and agitation,” including possible strike action. A decision is expected on May 15, 2026, at Sheikh Bagh Forest Complex, Srinagar.
The Association has urged the government to intervene and implement long-pending reforms to “restore dignity, motivation, and fairness.”
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