SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has begun the long-delayed process to induct around 32 officers into the Indian Forest Service (IFoS), bringing an end to a stalemate that had persisted for over 13 years.
Official sources said the Forest Department is preparing a detailed proposal which will soon be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF and CC) for approval and further action by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The process gained momentum after fresh communication from the Union Ministry, paving the way for submission of the proposal.
Commissioner/Secretary Forest Department Sheetal Nanda confirmed that the Department is finalizing the proposal for induction of officers into the IFoS.
“We are drafting the proposal and after completing all formalities it will be submitted to the Ministry,” she said.
Sources revealed that around 32 officers from Jammu and Kashmir are likely to get induction into the prestigious All India Service, subject to clearances from the MoEF and UPSC.
The induction process had remained suspended since 2012 due to legal disputes and procedural complications related to the constitution of the State Forest Service (SFS).
As per service rules, 66 percent posts in IFoS are filled through direct recruitment by UPSC, while 33 percent are reserved for promotion of State Forest Service officers.
Officials said the Union Ministry had not fixed promotion quota vacancies for Jammu and Kashmir beyond the Select Year 2012 because of pending legal and administrative issues.
Sources further disclosed that the proposal regarding constitution of the State Forest Service was sent to the Union Ministry on December 11, 2025 after approval from the competent authority.
After examining the matter, the MoEF reportedly advised the JK Forest Department to submit the formal proposal for induction of officers.
Officials said once the proposal receives clearance from the Ministry, the UPSC will hold a meeting with representatives of the Centre and JK administration to finalize the induction process.
The induction of officers into IFoS is expected to help overcome shortage of senior officers in the Forest Department and provide major career opportunities to local officers.
The development comes shortly after induction of 23 JKAS officers into the IAS, while the process for induction of eight JKPS officers into the IPS has also been initiated. (KNC)
