Telangana Government Announces Ex-Gratia to Forest Department Staff

Hyderabad, April 4 (Hydnow) Considering the challenges and threats faced by Forest department officials, the Telangana government has announced ex-gratia for staff members, who lose lives in attacks by extremists or suffer injuries, on par with police officials.

To this effect, Chief Secretary A.Santhi Kumari issued G.O. No. 43 Telangana is now among the very few states in the country to extend Ex-gratia to the forest personnel.

Last year, Bhadradri Kothagudem Forest Range Officer Srinivas Rao was attacked and brutally killed by the Gutti Koyas tribe people. Following this, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests RM Dobriyal informed the government about the challenges faced by the department staff while discharging their duties, especially in rural areas.

Many times, the forest personnel had to move alone in the interior forests to protect the areas. In such situations, the forest personnel was prone to attacks by anti-social elements and there was no availability of immediate help, he explained. Considering the PCCF’s appeal, the State government has issued orders of extending Ex-gratia to forest personnel, who lose lives or suffer injuries in attacks by extremists and anti-social elements.

Accordingly, depending on the designations, the forest personnel would get Ex-gratia. In case of the death of a forest beat officer or equivalent rank officer, who loses his life in extremist attacks, then they would be paid Rs. 30 lakhs. In case of permanent incapacitation, they will be paid Rs. 20 lakhs and in case of grievous injuries, they will be paid Rs. 3 lakhs. (Hydnow)

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