First woman Director General of ICFRE
Kanchan Devi, a 1991 batch Indian Forest Service officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE). Kanchan is the first woman officer to hold this post of ICFRE under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Kanchan's appointment at ICFRE is a historic moment, marking a shift towards gender equality and providing inspiration to aspiring individuals, especially women, in the field of scientific research and administration.
Kanchan Devi's career
- Kanchan Devi has over 30 years of experience working in various areas of forestry including forest management, forest administration, education, human resource development and research and extension in the State Government of Madhya Pradesh and Government of India.
- She has also served as a faculty member at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun. During his service tenure he has done significant work for the upliftment of rural communities by recommending, implementing, analyzing and updating the existing forest policies.
- She has made significant contributions to the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM) and the implementation of the World Bank funded Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP) at ICFRE.
Kanchan Devi brings to her new role an impressive track record of over 30 years in the field of forestry. His wide expertise extends to myriad aspects including forest management, administration, education, human resource development, research and extension. Having traversed the complex tapestry of the forestry landscape, Kanchan has not only demonstrated her proficiency but also paved the way for future generations of women in forestry.
Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE):
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education is an apex body in India's forestry research ecosystem. It is pursuing real development of forestry research by planning, promoting, conducting and coordinating need based research, education and extension on all aspects of forestry. The Council conducts solution-based forestry research relevant to emerging issues in the sector, including global concerns such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, combating desertification and sustainable resource management and development. Current research by the Council enhances public confidence in the ability of forest managers and researchers to successfully navigate the challenges of natural resource management.
Objectives of ICFRE
- To assist and encourage and co-ordinate forestry research and education and its application.
- To develop and maintain a national library and information center for forestry and other allied sciences.
- To act as a distribution center for general information and research relating to forests and wild animals.
- To develop forestry extension programs and disseminate them through mass communication, audio-visual media and extension machinery.
- To provide consultancy services in the field of forestry research, education and allied sciences.
- To do all other necessary work for achieving the above mentioned objectives