Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav presided as Chief Guest at the Convocation Ceremony for the 2024 batch of Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun. The ceremony marked the completion of a 20-month training program for 111 officers, comprising 109 Indian Forest Service probationers and two officer trainees from Bhutan.
Director of IGNFA Dr. Rajendra Prasad Khajuria reported that 75 officers secured more than 75% marks and were awarded Honours Diplomas. The revised training curriculum aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision emphasized forestry, wildlife management, environmental governance, advanced technologies, and leadership development. Nearly 45% of the training period was devoted to field exercises, study tours, and adventure activities across diverse ecological regions, supplemented by specialized elective courses and independent research guided by eminent experts.
Minister Yadav addressed the graduating officers, emphasizing that they will lead India's environmental vision during the nation's 100th year of independence. He identified climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification as major challenges requiring innovation, modern technology including artificial intelligence for data analysis and practical solutions, and people's participation. The Minister stressed that ethics and efficiency form the foundation of successful public service, urging officers to become effective leaders characterized by sacrifice, compassion, and the ability to inspire positive societal transformation.
Ms. Pratiksha Nanasaheb Kale of the Rajasthan Cadre emerged as the batch topper and received awards along with other outstanding probationers. The ceremony was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Tanmay Kumar, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, and numerous other senior officials from forestry institutions and government departments.