Nagpur: The ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) has turned down the suggestion to rename Indian Forest Service IFS ) as Indian Forest and Tribal Service (IFTS).The idea to rename IFS as IFTS was mooted by Dr Nand Kumar Sai, chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on December 31 to MoEFCC minister Harsh Vardhan.The NCST chief was of the view that tribals cannot live without forests as much forests cannot survive without tribals. “Although there are constitutional provisions for upliftment of STs, there is no dedicated service for this purpose unlike IFS,” Sai had said.In order to have unity for the purpose, Sai recommended to rechristen the IFS as IFTS to achieve twin objectives of conservation of forests and welfare of tribals in the national interest.However, the minister rejected the demand saying, “Rechristening IFS is a long-drawn and complex process as it is an all India service constituted under Article 312 of the Constitution and will necessitate amendment and consultation with states.”The minister added the objectives flagged by the commission can be achieved by incorporating tribal welfare in the mandate of the IFS. “Perhaps there is a need for strengthening the linkages between MoEFCC and the ministry of tribal affairs (MoTA) to facilitate discharge of functions as envisaged by the NCST for overall tribal welfare,” said Harsh Vardhan.He also said that it will be worthwhile to induct IFS officers in MoTA as well as state governments to look after the works of the tribal department.“Moreover, it will be a good idea to have a post of DG (tribal affairs) in the MoTA to be manned by a senior IFS officer,” said the minister in a communication to Sai.

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