By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A review meeting convened for Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) across Assam on Saturday has sparked controversy after questions were raised over whether it violates the Model Code of Conduct currently in force due to the ongoing electoral process.
According to official records, Assam's Joint Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Samiran Bora, issued an order directing all DFOs in the state to attend a review meeting at Assam Administrative College from 2 pm on May 2.
The order stated that the meeting would review matters related to working plans, wildlife, social forestry and the territorial wing.
The development comes amid allegations that the meeting was called after a reported dispute over the non-allotment of a stone mining area, though no official confirmation has been issued regarding that claim.
Reacting strongly to the development, environmental activist Dilip Nath questioned both the timing and legality of the exercise in view of the election code.
"This meeting is illegal as the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced across the state due to the assembly elections," Nath said.
"He is a political appointee. His tenure will also be over in three days. It is odd that he is organising this meeting now," he added.
No official response was immediately available from the concerned department regarding the allegations or whether necessary clearance was obtained for holding the meeting while the poll code is in force.