Chandigarh: Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, has directed officers to ensure that the pending maintenance dues of Van Mitras for the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 are released by September 15 under all circumstances. He directed that clear and strict directions in this regard be issued to the District Forest Officers (DFOs), who also function as Drawing and Disbursing Officers.
Rao Narbir Singh said that arbitrary functioning by DFOs would not be tolerated in any matter. Van Mitras serve as an important link between the Forest Department and the public in the plantation drive.
The Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister gave these directions while chairing a review meeting of departmental officers on Wednesday to discuss pending issues related to the demands of Van Mitras. Additional Chief Secretary, Sudhir Rajpal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr K.C. Meena, T.P. Singh and other senior officers were present at the meeting.
He also directed officers to take initiatives to register women as Van Mitras through Self-Help Groups. He said that on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan this year, women were encouraged to participate in the ‘Ek Rakhi, Ek Ped’ initiative, which received an enthusiastic response from women in large numbers.
