CHANDIGARH : The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of employees. As part of this, the Government would not compromise on the safety of the employees serving in the department. These views were expressed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak at the Forest Complex in Sector 68 while presiding over a meeting of Punjab Non - Gazetted Forest Officers Association.
Showing utmost seriousness over the issue of the employees especially the Forest Guards, the Minister emphasized that patrolling in groups at night should be preferred at the range level. He also said that the anti social elements causing harm to the property of the Forest Department, must be strictly proceeded against.
Exhorting the field employees of the department to wear uniforms on duty, Mr. Kataruchak said that this would not only accord them a distinct identity but also prove beneficial from the security point of view. The Minister directed the officers of the department to consider the proposal to institute an award besides conferring a Medal on the employees who have been victims of attacks by unruly elements. This would go a long way in boosting the morale of such employees, said the Minister.
On the various demands put forward by the Union such as changing the name of the post of Forest Guard to the Forest Beat Officer/Beat Incharge, separate transfer policy, giving conveyance allowance, speeding up the process of promotion and filling up the 74 posts of Forest Rangers, the Minister assured to give sympathetic consideration.
Among others present on the occasion included the PCCF R.K. Mishra and the APCCF (Admn) Dharminder Sharma.