IFS induction in J&K revived after 13-year freeze

Srinagar, Aug 6: In a significant development paving the way for Jammu & Kashmir’s officers to enter the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFS) after a gap of 13 years, the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has determined 28 slots in the promotion quota of the AGMUT cadre’s J&K segment.
In a letter addressed to the J&K Chief Secretary, the MoEF&CC confirmed 28 vacancies under the promotion quota of the AGMUT cadre’s J&K segment.
According to the letter, there are 14 vacancies against the Select List of 2013, two for 2017, six for 2018, three for 2019, and one each for 2020, 2021, and 2023.
The Ministry has asked the UT Government to submit a proposal to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for convening a Selection Committee Meeting(SCM) to induct officers into the IFS.
“The Government of UT of Jammu & Kashmir is requested to take further necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Forest Service (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1966 and furnish a proposal to the Union Public Service Commission for convening Selection Committee meetings for preparation of Select Lists for the aforesaid years,” the letter reads.
The induction of local officers into the IFS had remained stalled for the past 13 years due to the absence of a valid “State Forest Service.” The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change examined the matter and found that only the J&K Forest (Gazetted) Service (Territorial) satisfies the recruitment, training, and other criteria for promotion into the IFS.
Recruitment into the Indian Forest Service is governed by two methods: direct recruitment through UPSC examinations and induction via the promotion quota. While 66% of posts are filled through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the remaining 33% are reserved for promotion of eligible State Forest Service (SFS) officers. (KNO)