Forest Guards Across Jharkhand Begin Indefinite Strike Over Service Rule Changes

1,700 Forest Guards Protest Rule Amendments, Demand 100% Promotion Quota Restoration.

Jharkhand forest guards have gone on an indefinite strike, demanding the state government reverse recent service rule amendments.

JAMSHEDPUR – Forest guards across Jharkhand have started an indefinite strike, demanding the reversal of recent amendments to the Jharkhand State Subordinate Forest Cadre Rules 2014.

The protest, under the Jharkhand State Subordinate Forest Service Association, has seen 1,700 forest guards statewide participating.

In Jamshedpur, forest guards have gathered at the Singhbhum RCCF office to stage a sit-in protest.

Umesh Singh, the joint secretary of the association, stated that the 2014 rules ensured 100% promotion for forest guards to the positions of Head Forest Guard and Forester.

However, the recent amendments reduced this quota to 50%, allowing the remaining 50% to be filled through direct recruitment from outside.

The guards have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met.

Singhbhum RCCF Smita Pankaj confirmed that the demand letter has been forwarded to the state government.

She acknowledged that the strike might impact forest operations but assured that Quick Response Teams (QRT) are in place to manage any human-elephant conflicts in the absence of forest guards.

The protest has raised concerns about potential disruptions in forest management and the need for a swift resolution.

Local communities are anxious about the possible impact on wildlife management during the strike.