The forestry department of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has become a battleground as students vehemently protest a recent amendment by the government of Jammu and Kashmir to the eligibility criteria for the range officer gazetted post. The amendment has broadened the eligibility to include all science graduates instead of solely BSc forestry graduates, a move that the forestry students argue undermines their specialized knowledge and practical experience. This decision, they contend, directly opposes the strategies discussed at the recent G20 summit, which focused on climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable development.
The G20 summit, a global platform for addressing pressing challenges, brought together delegates from various countries to deliberate on strategies to combat climate change, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. The discussions emphasized the importance of specialized expertise in finding effective solutions to these critical issues. However, the recent amendment to the range officer eligibility criteria appears to contradict the objectives of the G20 summit by opening the position to non-technocrats without a background in forestry.For the government to make such changes, it raises concerns about the seriousness and commitment to addressing climate change and environmental issues. We have undergone rigorous training, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, in order to manage forests effectively. It is difficult to comprehend how simple science graduates, who have not studied forestry, can contribute meaningfully to these critical tasks.
The BSc Forestry program at SKUAST-K provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with specialized knowledge and practical skills for forest management. The Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSc Forestry) is a professional degree course spanning four years and is approved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Subjects such as forest mensuration, silviculture, ornithology and wildlife management enable students to accurately measure forest resources, implement sustainable practices, and preserve wildlife habitats. One of the core aspects of the forestry program at SKUAST-K is the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) in the third year, where students are assigned a specific forest species for a year to foster its growth and understand the various aspects related to its management. Additionally, in the fourth year, students undergo Forest Work Experience (FOWE), which involves weapon training, extensive forest treks, and stays in challenging forest conditions to assess wildlife and biodiversity.
The protesting students assert that the practical skills gained through these experiences cannot be replicated by simple science graduates lacking a specialized forestry background. They argue that to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of forests, priority should be given to candidates who have undergone comprehensive forestry education.The protesting students question the government’s rationale behind considering all science graduates eligible for the range officer position, emphasizing the significant differences between a generic science degree and a forestry degree.
The students also draw attention to their previous protests against changes to eligibility criteria for other forest-related positions. During discussions with senior forest officials, they were met with dismissal, as those officials lacked a forestry background themselves. This highlights the need for decision-makers who understand the unique challenges faced in forestry and can empathize with the concerns of the students.
The protesting students passionately urge the government to reconsider the amendment and acknowledge the invaluable contribution that forestry graduates can make in preserving and managing forests. They emphasize that to address environmental issues effectively, professionals with specialized knowledge and practical experience should be given priority in roles such as foresters, assistant directors of forests and range officers. As the protests continue, the forestry students strive to bridge the gap between policy decisions and the implementation of sustainable forest management practices, aligning with the vision discussed at the G20 summit.
It remains to be seen whether the concerns and expertise of forestry students will be acknowledged, ensuring that the region’s forests are entrusted to those who possess the necessary knowledge and practical skills to safeguard them for future generations.
The students’ determination to protect forests and uphold specialized expertise serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and training in environmental conservation. Their fight for recognition and their voices united in protest highlight the urgent need to align policy.
(Writer is pursuing Masters degree in Forest Biology and Tree Improvement at Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K. She can be reached at urwahjan99@gmail.com)
