Sun Jan 05 13:37:39 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Forest Department Eyes Subsidized Canteens for Staff

**Mysuru, January 5, 2025** – Karnataka’s Forest Department is moving closer to establishing subsidized canteens for its field staff, mirroring a similar program in Tamil Nadu. The initiative, spurred by rising prices and advocated by wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni, aims to provide a much-needed welfare benefit to personnel who face significant risks in their daily work.

Following a request from forest guards and field staff who met with Minister Eshwar Khandre, the department has begun gathering information on the operational aspects of police canteens in the state. A recent communication from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to the Additional Director-General of Police seeks detailed information on the police canteen system, including operational costs, subsidized pricing, and eligibility criteria.

While the proposal is still in its conceptual stages, the recent inquiries suggest a strong likelihood of implementation. The potential model could either emulate the Tamil Nadu system, allowing forest staff to utilize existing police canteens, or involve establishing separate canteens for the Forest Department. Stakeholders believe the Tamil Nadu model offers better economic efficiency.

The government’s investment in this welfare measure, though deemed nominal, is anticipated to boost morale among field staff who regularly engage in high-risk tasks, including anti-poaching efforts, managing human-wildlife conflicts, and firefighting.

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