Forest Corporation

Forest Corporation Needs Corporate Culture

Forest Corporation, established in the year 1974 to pursue the commercial operations of the department, is in doldrums. Initially everything went on as per plans and by the year 1985 almost everything from resin to timber extraction was handed over to it. But in the recent years the government legislations have resulted in creating troubles for this corporation which is also adversely affected on account of wrong decisions of the management. Insiders reveal that the corporation is running a large number of fuel fire wood depots all across the state majority of which have become unwanted in today’s context. These are a source of huge loss to the corporation and thus need to be outsourced at the earliest to escape further losses. If the corporation is to earn profit it has to be run in a corporate manner.  Acute shortage of manpower for which MNREGA has also contributed has created a plethora of problems for the corporation since its entire work of extraction from dense forest is adversely affected. Political decisions and monopoly of contractors is further adding to the woes of the corporation. Certain government legislations like ban on green felling imposed in the year 1983 and the recent Supreme Court ruling have also shrunk the operational area of the corporation.

Govt to Frame Policy on Exploitation of Herbs

Thakur Singh Bharmouri Forest Minister

The government will come out with a comprehensive policy for systematic and sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants to cover more herbs in view of their growing commercial value. There are over 800 herbs and the government has given panchayats the power to issue export permit for 37 herbs. The Forest Department had identified 90 important herbs for which a policy would be framed after holding consultations with experts and stakeholders to facilitate sustainable exploitation.

What Needs to be Done?

Professionalism can do the magic

Fiscal discipline and professional behavior can help the corporation regain its lost sheen. Experts feel that the government should stop hobnobbing with the internal affairs of the corporation if it wants to see it growing. The officials too must come out of the government mind set and behave in a corporate manner. Professionalism with fixed goals is required to touch new heights. Experts feel that the following areas need to be taken care if the corporation wants to ensure better days.