Mohammed Haris
Srinagar: In a surprising attendance check of Range Officers (ROs) Kehmil, Kamraj, Langate, and J V Forest Divisions four among ten Range Officers were found absent from their duties without prior permission.
Sources in the department said that the unexpected telephonic attendance check was conducted by the Office of the Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, Sopore, to ensure the accountability of the field staff.
They added that attendance check took place between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, during which it became evident that a majority of the ROs had left their headquarters without obtaining the necessary authorization from the competent authority.
A showcause notice from Office of the Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, Sopore, vide No No:FD/CFN/Admn/2023-24//75-78 dated 13-09-2023 reads,” This breach of protocol has raised concerns about the commitment of these officers to their responsibilities.
The list of ROs whose attendance was checked and found absent include – RO Rafiabad Riyaz Ahmed Wani, RO Doabgah, Abdul Qayoom Malla, RO Matchil Mubashir Ahmad and RO Naihari Javaid Iqbal Keema, the show cause notice identified the absentees.
The notice further reads, in light of these findings, the absentee ROs have been directed to provide a show cause as to why departmental action should not be initiated against them.
Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, Sopore, stated, “This surprise attendance check is essential to maintain discipline and ensure that our forest officers are diligently performing their duties. We expect full cooperation from our field staff in upholding the integrity of our department.”
Copies of this directive have also been sent to the Divisional Forest Officers of Kehmil, Kamraj, Langate, and J V Forest Divisions. They have been instructed to conduct regular attendance checks of all field officers at 8:00 pm to prevent unauthorized absences and maintain the efficiency of the Forest Department.