08-08-2025
Forum files complaint accusing forest department of discriminating against tribal BFOs
The Kerala Ullada Mahasabha has submitted a complaint to the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes alleging that the Forest department is discriminating against tribal Forest Beat Officers (BFO) on the basis of caste. The organisation alleged that the officials mark 'special recruitment' (SR) next to the tribal BFOs' designation while finalising duty chart in the 'general diary,' an official document.
The State government had appointed 500 tribal beat forest officers in April 2022 through a special recruitment, across the State, except in Alappuzha.
'SR is marked next to the names of tribal officers in the general diary. This is a clear case of discrimination against the tribal BFOs. The Mahasabha has submitted a complaint to the commission demanding, action against such practice,' said Mohanan N.R., Kerala Ullada Mahasabha assistant secretary.
On August 1, 2023, Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator P. Pukazhenthi had issued an order stating that only the recruitment process is different for the tribal BFOs and others. 'The conditions of wages and services, transfer, promotion, timely higher grades, and other laws and rules are the same for all the BFOs,' said the order.
Mr. Mohanan said the officials violated the order and alleged that all tribal BFOs across the State are facing this discrimination. 'They are afraid to file complaints against such practices. We have received the copies of the general diary with 'SR' markings through a Right to Information Act petition. These have also been submitted to the commission. The Forest Minister and the government should intervene in the issue and put and end to such discrimination,' he said.
Meanwhile, officials of the forest intelligence wing said they had not yet received any such complaints. 'We will initiate a probe into the issue and take further action when we receive a complaint,' said an official.
