https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

2018 batch IFS officer Vejayanantham TR is skilling the South Betul youths the illegal timber mafias prey on The skill development program has been initiated in all the six ranges To know the success of the farsighted initiative, read the article
Indian Masterminds Stories

Deep within the teak forests of South Betul, Madhya Pradesh, a silent war is being waged. On one side stand the timber mafias, exploiting the natural resources and exploiting vulnerable youths for their gain. On the other stands IFS officer Vejayanantham TR, armed not with weapons, but with a farsighted initiative- – skilling the very youths the mafias prey on. The officer is skilling youths, and saving forests.

In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Vejayanantham shared about his way of tacking the issue.

IFS Vejayanantham TR
IFS Vejayanantham TR

ILLEGAL TIMBER TRADE

The story begins with the realization of a stark truth. The rampant illegal timber trade in the tribal-dominated district had its roots not just in greed, but in a lack of opportunities. Youngsters, lured by the promise of a meagre Rs. 200-300, were drawn into the mafias’ web, unknowingly aiding in the destruction of their own forests.

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests
Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

“The south Betul forest division is around 1000-2000 square km and around 70% of my division falls in Maharashtra border,” Mr. Vejayanantham shared.

There have been numerous incidents of illegal timber felling over the past year and a half, with vehicles and individuals caught transporting timber unlawfully. In response, the officer established a forest control room. He spearheaded the creation of Madhya Pradesh’s first forest control room, dedicated to overseeing barriers and monitoring staff movements.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Determined to break the cycle of youngsters getting trapped in illegal timber felling, he embarked on a mission that transcended mere law enforcement. He recognized the need for a social and developmental approach, and so, his brainchild – a skill development program – was born.

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests
Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

The program started modestly, targeting a single village bordering the forest. Youths were equipped with skills like tailoring, embroidery, and electrician, aligning them with the demands of the local textile industry. The results were immediate and heartening. “Around 60 youngsters got placement and placement of around 40 is getting ready.,” the officer shared.

CHALLENGES

But the journey was not without its hurdles. Homesickness emerged as a significant challenge. Freshly trained youngsters, uprooted from their familiar surroundings, often succumbed to the yearning for home. To address this, Mr. Vejayanantham and his team went the extra mile. They provided not just training but also post-placement support and counselling.

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests
Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

Taking a crucial step forward, the program is now being revamped. Recognizing the limitations of village-based training, the upcoming batch will undergo training at the forest training school in Betul itself. “This immersive experience will equip the youth to better cope with the transition and reduce homesickness,” he said.

SUCCESS

Recognizing the growing demand for security guards and computer skills, these will be incorporated into the upcoming training cycle.

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests
Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

The program’s success is evident in both the transformed lives of the youth and their improved relationship with the forest department. “The villagers, who once viewed forest officials with suspicion, now see forest officers as allies, even extending support in apprehending timber mafias.”

WIDESPREAD APPRECIATION

This win-win situation has not gone unnoticed. From fellow IFS officers to public representatives, Mr. Vejayanantham’s initiative is garnering widespread appreciation. He plans to present his program at a workshop on encroachment removal and forest protection in Bhopal, aiming to inspire its replication across the state.

Skilling Youths, Saving Forests
Skilling Youths, Saving Forests

This initiative is a ray of hope, not just for the future of the South Betul forests, but for countless young lives empowered to break free from the clutches of exploitation and chart their own path towards a brighter future.


Indian Masterminds Stories
Related Stories
NEWS
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
47 IAS Officers Short in Jharkhand; 14 to Retire This Year
Nagendra Tripathi IPS
West Bengal: IPS Nagendra Tripathi to Join CISF as DIG; Two More Officers Await Deputation Decision
Rajasthan Government
Rajasthan Sends 11 IAS Officers for Training in Mussoorie; Additional Charges Assigned
K Raju IAS
Former IAS Officer K Raju Appointed as Congress In-Charge for Jharkhand
Chandigarh logo-resized
Chandigarh Court Rejects Appeal Against Former IAS Officer RS Sandhu
Odisha govt_resized
Odisha IAS Officers Now Require Chief Secretary’s Approval for Leave and HQ Exit
Gurjinder Pal Singh IPS
IPS Officer Gurjinder Pal Singh Promoted to ADGP in Chhattisgarh
Marriage
IAS Officer Nisha Transferred from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh Cadre on Marriage Grounds
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-02-16 at 13.44
He Got Cricketers Like Mohd Azharuddin & Ajay Jadeja Banned
K jairaj
K. Jairaj: A Bureaucrat Who Believed in Impact Over Transfers
Vivek Mehrotra, IAS
No One Can Pressurise An IAS Officer, If He Sticks To These Five Principles
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
47 IAS Officers Short in Jharkhand; 14 to Retire This Year
shjshdjsh
Rare Footage Captures Flying Squirrel Gliding in Pench Tiger Reserve
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-02-16 at 13.44
K jairaj
Vivek Mehrotra, IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT