Don’t Ignore Forest Protectors: Mehbooba Mufti Backs J&K Forestry Students
Mehbooba Mufti backs BSc Forestry students protesting for degree recognition in J&K Forest Department recruitment.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has issued a strong appeal to the Jammu and Kashmir government to reconsider the recruitment eligibility criteria for the Forest Department. She urged the authorities to listen to the grievances of BSc Forestry students who have been protesting for weeks to secure recognition for their specialized degrees.
A Prolonged Protest for Recognition
The students, hailing from the Faculty of Forestry at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama, have been engaged in a sustained demonstration. The protest has become increasingly intense, with students observing a hunger strike to demand justice regarding their career prospects.
According to reports, the students have been protesting for 17 days, with their hunger strike entering its ninth day. Despite this prolonged demonstration, the students claim they are still awaiting a formal response from the government.
The Core Dispute: Recruitment Rules
The unrest stems from the proposed Draft Recruitment Rules for the post of Forester within the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. The current draft has raised significant concerns among forestry graduates regarding the eligibility criteria for direct recruitment.
The protesting students are demanding the following:
- Exclusive Eligibility: Candidates holding specific degrees in Forestry should be given priority or exclusive eligibility for the post of Forester and other forestry-related examinations.
- Recognition of Specialization: The government must amend the proposed rules to ensure that those with specialized professional education in Forestry are not sidelined by generalized criteria.
Impact on Specialized Careers
The students have expressed deep concern that the proposed changes to the recruitment rules could adversely affect the professional futures of those who have dedicated years to studying forest management and protection. They argue that their specialized qualifications must be duly recognized to ensure the Forest Department is staffed by trained experts.
Mufti emphasized the importance of these professionals, stating, "Don’t ignore those trained to protect our forests. Listen to them without delay."
As the students maintain their peaceful protest, they have made it clear that they will not back down until the government addresses their concerns and safeguards the interests of forestry graduates in the upcoming recruitment cycles.