The Minister assured that he would try to undo this injustice by taking up the matter with the Chief Minister. Speaking at the annual general body meeting of the Maharashtra State Gazetted Forest Officers' Association, Gudadhe-Patil lamented that forest officers were receiving lower pay scales than their equals in other State departments.

He also said that forest officials have always been meted out poor treatment, although their work is often more trying than Revenue and Police Department officials. He also added that higher officials in the department have always taken a negative attitude to this matter.

The Minister also conceded that they have neglected fixing the duties of the assistant conservator of forests. He said that he would takeimmediate action to implement the Ballal Committee report formulated on this issue, but which had been submitted as early as 1991. He also said that he would look into the other demands of the forest officials, including time-bound promotions and filling up of vacancies.

A number of gazetted officers from all over the State attended the meeting. Officers having a meritorious service record were felicitated by the Minister.

The introductory remarks were made by R S Bhangu, president of the association. R S Dawalwar and P K Mahajan also spoke. The programme was conducted by A S Patil, while G S Dharankar proposed the vote of thanks.