The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step toward addressing the long-pending demands of Forest Frontline Staff and Non-Gazetted Forest Officers. A formal communication from the Personal Section of the Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs confirms that the representations submitted by forest employees have been officially forwarded for examination.
The representation, submitted by the Forest Frontline Staff and the All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association, highlights several service-related issues affecting Forest Guards, Deputy Foresters, and Foresters. These concerns were also supported by communications from various Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly and brought to the Minister’s notice for consideration.
Key Demands Raised
The major demands put forth by the Forest Frontline Staff include:
Removal of Pay Anomaly affecting Forest Guards, Deputy Foresters, and Foresters.
Grant of additional salary equivalent to two-and-a-half (2½) days, acknowledging their continuous 24×7 duties without availing Sundays and gazetted holidays.
Provision of Risk Allowance, Uniform Allowance, and Martyr Relief, considering their statutory law-enforcement powers, technical responsibilities, and continuous high-risk field duties.
Government Action
In response, the Hon’ble Minister has directed the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, to thoroughly examine the demands raised by the Association. The department has been asked to submit a formal proposal for further consideration at the ministerial level.
The move has been welcomed by forest employees, who have long been seeking parity, recognition, and welfare benefits in line with the nature of their hazardous and round-the-clock duties. The decision is seen as a positive step toward resolving longstanding grievances of the Forest Frontline Staff in Jammu and Kashmir.
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