SOURCE :- SIASAT NEWS
Madikeri: A controversy has erupted over the Forest Department’s recruitment of 26 kavadis (helper to the mahout) in the Mysuru Circle, following allegations that the selection process favoured candidates with political and official connections over experienced elephant handlers.
The department held direct interviews in Mysuru on September 30 and October 1 and later announced a provisional list of 26 candidates. Several applicants and mahouts (elephant trainer) have questioned the selection, alleging violations of the prescribed eligibility conditions.
One of the basic qualifications for a kavadi is familiarity with elephants and experience in working with them. However, complainants claim that several selected candidates have no such background.
The residence criterion has also raised concerns. Applicants are required to establish that they live in forest-fringe areas through certificates issued by the tahsildar after verification by revenue officials. Yet, some selected candidates are reportedly residents of urban areas, according to documents cited by complainants.
Questions have also been raised over the age limit. The maximum age for general category candidates was fixed at 35, but individuals aged 36, 38 and 40 have allegedly found a place in the provisional list.
In contrast, Akash, son of Vasanth, the mahout of Abhimanyu, was not selected. Other applicants who had grown up around elephants at the Dubare camp were also reportedly rejected.
The complainants have alleged that children of drivers attached to forest officials and veterinary staff, along with individuals close to officials at Aranya Bhavan, were given preference.
Several mahouts and kavadis have taken the matter to Chief Minister’s political secretary AS Ponnanna. They want the provisional list kept in abeyance pending an inquiry. Some organisations are also planning to file a complaint with the Lokayukta.
SOURCE : SIASAT
