New Delhi, August 2: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, engaged with the trainee officers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2024 batch on Saturday. During this interaction, he urged the officers to embrace innovation to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification in order to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, Minister Yadav expressed confidence that by the time these officers reach the most productive phase of their careers, India will be celebrating 100 years of independence.
As the chief guest, he presided over the ceremony and awarded certificates and medals to the successful trainee officers. He emphasized the need for officers to focus on innovation, modern technology, and public participation to address challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Yadav further stated that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies should not only be for data collection and analysis but also for developing practical solutions with human sensitivity.
He highlighted that ethics and efficiency form the strongest foundation for a successful public servant. He encouraged the officers to aspire not only to be competent administrators but also effective leaders, noting that sacrifice, compassion, and the ability to inspire others are the true hallmarks of leadership.
Rajendra Prasad Khajuria, Director of IGNFA, presented the director’s report, mentioning that the institution, which began as the Indian Forest College and now operates as the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, has been serving the nation since 1938.
He noted that all Indian Forest Service officers of independent India, along with 369 forest officers from 14 friendly countries, have received training from this institution.
He also shared that under the revised curriculum aligned with the vision of a developed India by 2047, a total of 111 officers, including 109 Indian Forest Service probationers and two trainee officers from Bhutan, have completed a 20-month training program. Among them, 75 officers achieved over 75% marks and were awarded honors diplomas.
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