Last Updated on July 5, 2021 at 8:04 pm
Jammu and Kashmir Government today institutionalized Awards to recognize outstanding work done by Forest Personnel, Village Forest Committee(s), Educational Institutions and Gram Panchayats rendering Meritorious Service.
The awards would be given on the World Forestry Day (21 March) every year at UT level.
In this regard, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department issued an order stating that the objective of the award is to recognize outstanding work done by Forest Field Staff and to encourage and promote competence and dedication among forest personnel.
According to the order, while mentioning the eligibility of the Award, 20 Forest officials working as Forest Rangers, Foresters and Forest Guards in the Forest Department will be honoured with this award every year (2 Forest Rangers, 6 Foresters and 12 Forest Guards).
The award shall consist of a citation and a medallion along with a cash award of Rs 25,000 to be given to each recipient and will also be noted in the Annual Performance Report of the official.
While giving the selection criteria, the order stated that the awards will be given for meritorious service and achievement of the individual field personnel in the area of Forest Protection and anti-smuggling operations, afforestation and plantation work, working plan, training and demarcation works.
While innovative ideas and practices will be recognized, emphasis will be on the outcomes and contributions made by the individual in the course of discharge of his duties, it added.
Enumerating about the selection procedure, it said that the recommendations for the award will be made by a selection committee comprising of the Additional PCCF (Central) as Chairperson while CCF Jammu, CCF Kashmir, CCF Planning & Project as members.
The department has also institutionalized an award for outstanding performance in Plantation/Afforestation.
Giving further details about the award, it said that the objective of the award is to encourage peoples’ participation in tree planting and afforestation through Village Forest Committees, Gram Panchayats and educational institutions.
Cash award of Rs 10,000 for the best educational institution at district level (one for each district) and cash award of Rs.20,000 for the best Gram Panchayat at district level (one for every district) will be given for outstanding performance in Plantation/Afforestation.
“These awards will be given each year in the District level function on the World Forestry Day on 21st March. The DFO stationed at District headquarters will act as nodal officer and organize the function at district headquarters,” it stated.
