Violation of UP’s Transfer Policy in Gorakhpur Forest Division? RTI Seeks Answers on Long-Term ‘In-Charge’ Posting

The recent Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Yogi M P Singh (Registration No. PCCFO/R/2024/60096) has brought to light potential non-compliance with the Uttar Pradesh government’s new transfer policy within the Gorakhpur Forest Division.

This application not only highlights the ongoing assignment of a junior officer but also raises important questions about the administrative practices currently in place.

This officer is consistently serving as the in-charge of the Baki Range for a long duration, which deviates from the expected rotational posting that is meant to promote efficiency and accountability.
The prolonged tenure of this junior officer in a significant role raises serious concerns about administrative accountability and the potential stagnation of departmental growth.

Furthermore, it questions adherence to state directives within the division, especially within Gorakhpur Forest Division boundaries, as continued non-compliance could undermine the effectiveness of forest management and conservation efforts, ultimately impacting the local ecosystem and community well-being.

---

The Core Allegation against corrupt working Gorakhpur Forest Division: Three-and-a-Half Years in One Post

The RTI focuses on Shri Jagdamba Pathak, a Deputy Regional Forest Officer (Up Kshe. Va. A.), who has been holding the charge of the Baki Range Ranger (Kshe. Va. A.) for approximately three and a half years.
This appears to directly conflict with the new transfer policy issued by the Chief Secretary, Mr. Durga Shankar Mishra, on June 15, 2022.
The policy limits Class I and Class II government staff to a maximum of three years in the same district.
It prevents Class I and Class II staff from staying in the same district for more than three years.
The policy is designed to ensure mobility and promote staff rotation.
The rule ensures staff mobility and rotation in Gorakhpur Forest Division, which is crucial for effective management.

The applicant argues that appointing a junior officer to a senior role for a long time poses a problem. This action does not align with the policy and undermines both its spirit and letter. The policy aims to promote transparency and curb corruption in government machinery within divisions such as Gorakhpur Forest Division.

---

Dating Back to IGRS: The Initial Complaint

This RTI application is a follow-up to an earlier complaint filed through the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS No. 6006623020569).

In a response dated November 08, 2023, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Gorakhpur, acknowledged the situation but provided a justification:

• The government level (Shaasan Star) deploys a Regional Forest Officer (Ranger).
• Shri Jagdamba Pathak, the Deputy Regional Forest Officer, is holding the charge since no sanctioned Ranger deployed at the Baki Range.
• The DFO stated that the government must first post a Ranger to the Baki Range. Only then can they transfer Shri Jagdamba Pathak to another location within the Gorakhpur Forest Division.
• The response concluded by stating that Shri Jagdamba Pathak is “diligently discharging” his official duties.

---

The Five Questions for the Public Information Officer (PIO)

The current RTI application, addressed to the PIO Shree Sanjay Kumar Dixit (Administrative Officer), compels the Forest Department to provide clear answers on five critical points, focusing on the principle of the “Right to Reason” as an indispensable part of a sound administrative system overseeing Gorakhpur Forest Division:
this principle not only ensures transparency and accountability but also serves as a vital mechanism for citizens to understand the rationale behind decisions made by public authorities.

By engaging with this RTI process, we aim to shed light on the methodologies employed by the department in managing forest resources and implementing conservation measures, thereby fostering a culture of openness.

The responses sought are expected to clarify various operational practices, enhance public trust, and ultimately lead to more informed participation from community stakeholders concerned about the ecological health and governance of the forest in Gorakhpur.

1. Confirmation of Duration: Provide confirmation that Shri Jagdamba Pathak is the in-charge Ranger of the Baki Range. He has held this position for three and a half years.
2. Reason for Junior Charge: Provide the official reason for giving charge of a senior position to a junior-rank officer. Explain why this has continued for such a prolonged duration. Other qualified personnel are presumably available in the state government.
3. Reason for Policy Violation: Please provide the official reason for violating the new state transfer policy. This violation involved posting Shri Jagdamba Pathak in the Baki Range for over three years. Policy adherence is key, especially in entities like Gorakhpur Forest Division.
4. Administrative Integrity: This statement outlines the consequences for a junior-rank officer who takes on the responsibilities of a senior-rank officer for an extended period. This practice constitutes an act of corruption and should not be, promoted in a system that claims good governance.
5. Policy Integrity: A statement highlights the perceived irony of the new transfer policy. The Chief Minister’s government champions this policy for transparency and accountability, yet ironically, it potentially promotes the very corruption it intends to control.

The applicant demands that the PIO furnish this five-point information. This must be done within the mandated 30 days. These are the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

---

Implications in Gorakhpur Forest Division: Accountability and Governance

The matter highlights a significant tension between operational necessity (filling an empty post) and administrative regulation (adhering to transfer policies).
The DFO cited the lack of a government-level posting.
Still, the core issue remains the extended duration of the in-charge assignment.
This duration appears to breach the three-year limit.
The RTI demands that the department provide a justified reason for this policy deviation within the Gorakhpur Forest Division.
The department must record this reason.
This action will test the bureaucracy’s commitment to the governance reforms initiated by the state’s highest office.

More than three and half years deputy ranger, is posted as ranger in Baki range, D.F.O. is justifying illegal stand of government