Campaign against non-Maharashtrians IFS officers alleged

A section of the press carried news items in the recent past, alleging that the non-Maharashtrian IFS lobby was trying to dominate the Forest Department and attempting to grab plum posts, particularly in the wake of massive illicit tree-felling in Chandrapur-Gadchiroli districts.

The meeting discussed the issue in detail and felt that the propaganda and publication of the news items in a section of the Press was a `well-designed’ plan by vested interests to create a feeling of regionalism and parochialism in the Forest Department.

The IFS Association unequivocally condemned this mischievous attempt by certain vested interests who have, with obvious sinister designs, attempted to disturb the unity in the service and harmony among department officials.

The Association also observed that the composition of this premier service in the forestry sector is determined as per All India Service Rules, uniformly applicable to all the states in the country. Accordingly, creating confusion in the minds of the people through misinformation that certain sections within the services were trying to dominate it is highly objectionable and amounts to nothing less than a condemnation of the constitutional provision and established norms applicable to all the three All India Services – IAS, IPS and IFS – in the country.

The Association resolved that such forces would be dealt with firmly by taking recourse to legal and other suitable remedial measures. The Association reaffirmed its dedication to the unity within the service and solidarity among various departments for serving the basic cause of conservation of forests and wildlife in the State of Maharashtra against all odds and for all times to come.