Environmental Groups Demand Removal of Forest Minister's Additional Private Secretary in Kerala
The Coexistence Collective, a coalition of environmental organizations in Kerala, has demanded the removal of Sijumon Francis from his position as Additional Private Secretary to the Forest Minister, citing concerns about his past activism against forest policies. The collective alleges that Francis previously organized protests and legal challenges against the Forest department on issues including buffer zones, forest boundaries, and wildlife management. Francis has denied the allegations, stating he has consistently supported forest conservation and that his appointment would not have been approved if he had campaigned against the department.
Environmental and wildlife conservation groups in Kerala have formally requested the removal of Sijumon Francis from his newly appointed position as Additional Private Secretary in the Forest Minister's office. The Coexistence Collective submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and Forest Minister expressing concerns that Francis's past involvement in protests and legal proceedings against the Forest department could compromise the neutrality of Kerala's environmental governance. The collective specifically cited his role in organizing opposition to forest policies, his involvement with farmers' associations that challenged departmental positions, and his legal challenges regarding highway development and forest boundary demarcation. The groups warned that his appointment to a strategic position within the same administrative system he had opposed could undermine ongoing court and tribunal proceedings on ecologically sensitive matters. In response, Francis rejected the allegations, asserting that he has consistently advocated for forest and wildlife conservation while promoting human-wildlife coexistence, and noted that no criminal charges have been filed against him.
What's missing
The specific details of Francis's qualifications for the position, the formal appointment process followed, and any official response from the Forest Minister or Chief Minister to the collective's demands are not provided in the article.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
Green forum seeks removal of Forest Minister’s Additional Private Secretary
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