A group of former bureaucrats and retired civil servants have voiced serious concerns regarding a recent directive from Assam’s special chief secretary for environment. The order involves deploying around 1,600 personnel from the Assam Forest Protection Force to assist with the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled to take place on April 9. This decision has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly violating established legal and administrative guidelines.
The retired officials highlighted their worries in an open letter addressed to the state government, referring to a report by NorthEast Now published on March 26. They pointed out that the order, issued on March 19, directly contravenes the Election Commission’s (EC) guidelines, which are designed to safeguard the integrity of forest governance, especially during the critical period of elections.
The Election Commission has laid down specific parameters stating that personnel from territorial forest forces and serving forest officials, including those at senior levels within the Indian Forest Service, should not be requisitioned for election duties. This directive aims to ensure that vital ecological and forest management responsibilities remain unhindered throughout the electoral process.
The Constitutional Conduct Group, which advocates for adherence to these guidelines, expressed alarm at the state administration’s decision. They emphasized that the deployment of forest personnel to election-related duties could jeopardize the essential functions of ecological protection and disrupt the governance of forest resources at a time when their oversight is imperative.
With the Model Code of Conduct becoming effective on March 15, the state administration has been under scrutiny to comply with the EC’s directives. Critics argue that involving forest protection staff in electoral activities not only undermines the integrity of the electoral process but also raises questions about the prioritization of ecological governance.
As the state gears up for the election, the implications of such decisions are profound. Stakeholders are urging the administration to reconsider its approach and adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission, ensuring that both electoral integrity and environmental responsibilities are upheld. The upcoming elections will not only determine the political landscape of Assam but also how the state balances governance with ecological stewardship.
