Talks between tendu contractors, govt fruitful
Talks between tendu contractors, govt fruitful
05 February 2012
published by http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India — NAGPUR: The meeting between tendu contractors and forest officials in Mumbai to solve the deadlock between them regarding certain conditions in the tender document seems to have ended on a positive note.
The tendu contractors have agreed to take steps for preventive measures and help avoid and control forest fires. They say that the forest department has also agreed to reconsider its stand on the responsibility of forest fires on the contractors.
Ramanuj Choudhary, additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) for non-timber forest produce (NTFP), monitoring and evaluation said, “Today’s meeting between the forest department and tendu contractors was fruitful. The government is expected to clarify its position on the issue within a few days. The tendu contractors look positive and said that they would take measures to stop forest fires.”
He further added that in the backdrop of this meeting, till a clarification is issued by the government, the second and third phases of tendering process which were to be held on February 6 and 9 have been put off and will be held by the end of the month.
Jayeshkumar Patel, president, Gondia Beedi Leaves Contractors Association (GBLCA) said, “The government has agreed to reconsider its sanctions in our favour. On our part, we also assure to help protect forests.”
