Forest dwellers become “Jungle Guides”

Forest Minister presents certificates to first batch trainees

Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh presented certificates to 30 guides here today. These guides have been trained by Madhya Pradesh Eco-Tourism Board for provide tourists complete joy and information about jungles. The candidates undergone 3-month training under “Hunar Se Rozgar” Yojana will be able to earn Rs. 3-4 thousand per month extra apart from continuing their cultivation operations, business etc at home.

Forest Minister Shri Singh said that only guides linked with forests can provide best service to forest tourists. Eco-Tourism Board has selected 60 youths through Forest Committees for 20 important eco-tourism sites of Madhya Pradesh. The Board imparted 3-month training to selected youths’ first batch at Bhopal from May 15 to August 5. Remaining 30 youths are being imparted training by Indian Travel & Tourism Management Institute, Gwalior from July 8, 2013. Guides from 7 districts have been imparted training in complete information about forests, wildlife of the area, working knowledge of English and hotel management. Efforts will be made to provide jobs to guides at tourist centres Bhilatdev, Samardha, Kathotiya, Kolar, Payali, Daulatpur, Kukru, Rookhad, Patalkot etc. Trained guides are already earning extra income at Kathotiya, Samardha and Rookhad.

The trainee were also provide tour and fro expenses, lodging, food, medical facilities, uniform, boots, caps, reading material and Rs. 3000 stipend each. Information about trained youths is being sent to resorts and hotels near national parks so that they can get additional job opportunities.

Trainees Shri Mangesh Tripathi and Shri Lal Singh said that they used to hesitate in talking to people before training. Their studies had discontinues. There was no worthwhile employment. They said that after training they can talk to anyone and have best of knowledge about jungles.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri R.S. Negi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Ajit Sonakiya and CEO of Eco-Tourism Board Shri Satish Tyagi were also present on the occasion.