In a recent development, the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department of Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued an order superseding the previous standing order No. 24-JK(FST) of 2021 dated 16.03.2021. With the fresh enactment, the government has sanctioned the constitution of an Internal Committee dedicated to reviewing the cases of officers/officials of the Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department who are nearing retirement, often referred to colloquially as “dead woods” due to their impending exit from active service.
Key Highlights
- Supersession of Previous Order: The new order, indicated as Government Order No. 13-JK(FST) of 2024, effectively replaces the order from March 16, 2021. It is made in concurrence with S.O 324 dated 22.2020.
- Committee Composition: The Internal Committee comprises several high-ranking officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/HoFF, J&K as the Convener, and other members such as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Director, Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, J&K.
- Reference Order: The formation of this new committee has been set in motion by the reference Government Order No. 987-JK(GAD) of 2024, which was issued on April 30, 2024, from the General Administration Department.
- Objective of the Committee: The mandate of the committee is to screen and consider the cases of officers/officials within the department who are approaching retirement, ensuring that the process is in line with the regulations and standards set forth by the government.
Implementation and Communication
The order dated 2024 has been disseminated to various stakeholders. Its copies have been sent to administrative departments, all heads of the department within the Forest, Ecology & Environment domain, and other concerned officials. The objective is to ensure transparency and proper implementation of the screening process for the retiring officials.
Transparency and Administrative Action
This move by the J&K Government is an integral part of administrative reforms aimed at streamlining processes associated with the retirement of government personnel. The detailed Government Order file and a stock file will maintain records, ensuring the proceedings of the committee are recorded and conducted in an orderly fashion.
The order has been officially signed and endorsed by Dheeraj Gupta, IAS, and the Deputy Secretary to the Government, Suhail ul Islam, DKAS, further formalizing the structure and function of the Internal Committee.
This development marks an important step in the governance of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, as it seeks to maintain a robust and efficient administrative machinery through the continual evaluation of personnel approaching the end of their service tenure.
