Date:10/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/10/stories/2008051060130800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Joint Forestry Management Training Centre inaugurated

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Local Administration Minister M.K.Stalin inaugurated the Joint Forestry Management Training Centre at Velachery here on Friday.

At another function, Mr. Stalin distributed Rs. 15.17 crore, which was earned by way of tank bund plantations by the Social Forestry wing of the State Forest Department. Sixty per cent from the total revenue earned through the tank bund plantations were provided to village panchayats. The amount was outstanding since 2000.

Mr. Stalin also distributed incentive to farmers who participated in the ‘cultivation of trees in private patta lands’ programme launched by the State Forest Department last year. Under this programme, the department had announced an incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre for farmers who have taken up cluster farming and Rs. 1,000 per acre for those who took up inter-cropping method.

Services of 185 persons who were working as daily wage earners and those working on a consolidated pay-basis were regularised. Mr. Stalin distributed the appointment letters to the selected persons on Friday.

The Minister also distributed appointment letters to three persons who were selected on compassionate grounds.