An order by the Mohan Yadav government, allowing a district collector (generally from the IAS) to do performance appraisal of forest officers (IFS officers) serving in their respective jurisdictions, has kicked up dust in the circles of bureaucracy.
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Association has taken offence at the state’s proposal that an IAS officer would be entitled to write the annual performance appraisal report (APAR) of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) and Conservator of Forest (CF) in his or her district who are senior to him or her in the pay scale. Enraged by the Madhya Pradesh government’s directive, the IFS Association has labelled it as anti-conservation and a violation of a Supreme Court directive.
The IFS Association stated, “It is sadly noted, the said order says that senior officers like Conservator of Forests & Chief Conservator of Forests posted in the District will be assessed by the District Collector / Commissioner, who are generally of officers of much junior in pay scale/ grade pay.” The Forest body continued, “The order may develop a situation in which seniority and competence within forest service might be overlooked, leading to demoralisation and de-motivation among the forest officers.”
“District collectors might set development projects as a priority which may result in impinging on protected areas, leading to a clash with the core responsibility of IFS officers- the scientific management, protection and conservation of forests and wildlife,” speculated a senior member of the IFS association.
