Thane Forest Transfer Scam: Crores Exchanged for Postings!
• Multi-Crore Corruption in Thane Forest Department’s Transfer Process
• Thane Forest Transfer Scam Exposed!
• Bribes Dictate Transfers, Honest Officers Sidelined
• Civil Services Board Under Scanner
• Protest Suppressed, Inquiry Report Hidden?
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
A massive corruption racket worth crores has been exposed in the transfer process of officials and employees within the Thane Forest Department. Sprouts’ Special Investigation Team (SIT) has obtained crucial information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, revealing large-scale irregularities in transfers from 2021-22 to the present.
According to the findings, officers in key positions, including the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), have been allegedly accepting bribes to transfer employees of their choice. As a result, deserving and honest officers are being sidelined while those willing to pay hefty amounts secure favorable postings.
The investigation further reveals that officials who pay bribes for transfers later focus on recovering their money rather than fulfilling their duties, severely compromising the transparency and efficiency of the department.
Sprouts SIT has demanded a thorough investigation into this multi-crore scam and has formally submitted a letter to the Forest Department seeking action. Additionally, Sprouts will soon file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ensure accountability.
• Civil Services Board’s Suspicious Role
The Civil Services Board, responsible for overseeing transfers, has also come under suspicion. Instead of following government guidelines and conducting proper counseling for employees, the board is allegedly harassing them and making arbitrary transfer decisions. Employees who have served in challenging areas or held non-executive posts are not given priority, violating established norms.
Sprouts News demands a detailed investigation into the role of the Civil Services Board and holds it accountable for the widespread corruption in the transfer process.
Also Read: From Prestige to Shame: The Fall of Honorary Doctorates.
• Protest Suppressed by Authorities
Social activist Geeta Janardan Kale had staged a protest in front of the Thane Collector’s office to expose corruption in forest department transfers. However, the forest administration and police allegedly acted in collusion to suppress the movement. Though a government-level inquiry was initiated, sources indicate that the report has been deliberately suppressed.
• Forest Department Transfer Controversy in Maharashtra
A dispute has erupted in the Maharashtra Forest Department over the transfer of Range Forest Officers (RFOs). Several MLAs have accused the department of corruption in the transfer process. In response, the Maharashtra RFO Association has demanded that all transfers, including those of other forest officials, be conducted online for transparency.
Although the Forest Minister has delegated transfer authority to the administration, the association insists that future transfers should remain under administrative control and be carried out online rather than based on personal preferences. They have also called for a system where officials can view available vacancies and transfer requests online.
• Key Demands of the RFO Association:
– Impartial investigation into the recent transfers.
– Prevention of political interference in the transfer process.
– Removal of stay orders on legally approved transfers.
– Ensuring that transferred officers are assigned one of their top 10 preferred locations.
– Personal counseling for officers if none of their chosen locations are available.
• Background of the Issue:
On May 31, 2023, the Forest Department transferred 39 Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), while 12 officers received extensions in their current postings. Allegations have surfaced that some ACFs were reassigned to their previous locations or moved between regions, raising concerns of financial misconduct. The Forest Minister has called for a review of these transfers, potentially halting the process.
Over 200 RFO transfers in the state are reportedly irregular. In response, Principal Chief Conservator Y.S.P. Rao and Additional Principal Chief Conservator Shomita Biswas are scheduled to appear before the Principal Secretary of the Forest Ministry on June 5 for clarification.
• Who Filed Complaints?
MLAs Haribhau Bagade, Ram Satpute, Randhir Savarkar, and Ashish Jaiswal have submitted complaints to Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar regarding these alleged irregularities.