Reinstatement of Casual Employees at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve

Reinstatement of Casual Employees at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve

Fifty-seven casual employees of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve (NNP and TR) in Arunachal Pradesh have been reinstated three-and-a-half months after their services were terminated. This decision was confirmed by officials on Thursday.

Details of Reinstatement

  • Effective Date: The reinstatement is effective from August 14.
  • Duration: Their engagement is valid until March 31, 2025.
  • Scheme: The reinstatement is under the Central Sector Scheme of “Project Tiger.”
  • Approval: The reinstatement aligns with the annual operation plan approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for the 2024-25 financial year.

Staff Composition

  • Total Reinstated: 57 employees
  • Women: 22
  • Ex-Servicemen: 7

Terms and Conditions

  • Appointment Status: The reinstatement does not guarantee a regular appointment within the department.
  • Recruitment Purpose: These staff members were initially recruited to support tiger conservation and protect flora and fauna within NNP and TR.

Background

  • Previous Termination: The employees were terminated on May 1 due to “fund constraints,” as per the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. This led to widespread dissatisfaction, complaints, and protests.
  • Park Area: Namdapha National Park spans 1,985 sq km in Changlang district, bordering Myanmar. It faces challenges from poachers across the border.

Historical Context

  • Naming: The park is named after the Namdapha River, which flows north-south through the park and joins the Noa-Dehing River.
  • Establishment: Declared India’s 15th tiger reserve in 1983, the park was upgraded from a wildlife sanctuary to a national park.
  • Other Reserves: Arunachal Pradesh also hosts Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. When did the reinstatement of the 57 casual employees at Namdapha National Park become effective?
    • A) May 1
    • B) August 14
    • C) March 31
    • D) April 1
    Answer: B) August 14
  2. Under which scheme were the 57 casual employees reinstated?
    • A) National Wildlife Protection Scheme
    • B) Project Tiger
    • C) Green India Mission
    • D) Forest Conservation Initiative
    Answer: B) Project Tiger
  3. What is the validity period of the reinstated employees’ engagement?
    • A) Until December 31, 2024
    • B) Until March 31, 2025
    • C) Until August 14, 2025
    • D) Until June 30, 2025
    Answer: B) Until March 31, 2025
  4. What was the reason cited for the initial termination of the employees?
    • A) Policy changes
    • B) Fund constraints
    • C) Contract expiration
    • D) Performance issues
    Answer: B) Fund constraints
  5. How many women employees were reinstated at Namdapha National Park?
    • A) 10
    • B) 15
    • C) 22
    • D) 30
    Answer: C) 22