Letter: UNHEALTHY FAVOURITISM AT FOREST DEPTT

Forest is the wealth not only of the State but also of the nation and the world at large. Forestry, as a subject, is vast as it covers everything under the topic of environment. The importance of the environment for humanity is something that cannot go understated given the need for ecological conservation, sustainable development and protection of wildlife.
In this regard, the role of the Department of Forestry is that of a protector and conservator. Therefore, it is the duty of every individual forest officer to carry out his/ her assignment with utmost sincerity, diligence and integrity. However, the sad truth of the matter is that the performance of the Department is greatly interfered by a few. As a result, a power hierarchy has developed wherein the ones gaining are a handful of those who are at the top. The officers who are placed in the lower rungs of the hierarchy are made scapegoats with absolutely no say in matters of departmental concern.
Very often, the most rewarding of postings are grabbed by the few who are the favourites of the ones in power, while the rest of the simple and innocent scapegoats are often left with what can be called ‘scraps’. Nepotism, favouritism and communalism have crossed their limits in the department.
An example in this regard is that of a Range Officer who was posted in Khangchendzonga National Park which falls under the Alpine zone. This particular officer was given the additional charge of looking after the Land Use and Environment Circle, Mangan Range, which was vacant because of recent reshuffle of postings. The question that immediately crops to one’s mind is why this person who is already given the so called ‘difficult charge’ of the KNP [and drawing a difficulty and high altitude allowance as a result] also burdened with the additional charge of the Mangan Range, which ironically belongs to the sub-tropical zone and not the alpine zone.
Why wasn’t a new and fresh officer deputed instead? Or it could have been an officer from one of the places in the sub-tropical itself. In fact, two officers from the sub-tropical division, one from Dzongu Range and another from Phodong Range were even available during the time. The additional charge rightly should have gone to either of the two or should have been looked after by the division itself.
Perhaps, the Ranger from KNP is more qualified, more enthusiastic and more energetic than those in comparison. Otherwise, what could be the reason for this special gesture? The department should work courageously and independently. It should not fall prey to flattery and cunning. Rather, it should be just and should reward those who are honest and hardworking in order to boost their performance and reinforce them.
The Forest Department has had many impressive foresters in the past and even in the present who are genuinely concerned for the environment and feel deeply enough to write articles and books on it. Some of those great men are Mr KC Pradhan, Mr TR Poudyal, Mr Bijoy Gurung and Mr Sudhirjung Lucksom to name a few.
There are yet others who are unnamed but who contribute greatly to the welfare of the Forest Department. However, the wrongs have to be set right and it is a crime to tolerate injustice.
Favouritism and nepotism will only lead to a slackening of performance as those who reap fruits from it feel no need to work hard and those who otherwise work hard get no reward or respect for their hard work and sincerity.
Ministers who give recommendations are also not to be blamed because they have no idea about the goings on in the department. It is the department’s concern to verify and thoroughly check the concerned applications and give justice.
KL Bhutia, Gangtok