Andhra Pradesh Forest Department Reward Rules, 1970

Andhra Pradesh Forest Department Reward Rules, 1970

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In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (c) of sub section (2) of Section 68 of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967 (Act No. 1 of 1967) and in supersession of all previous rules and Notifications on the subject, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby makes the following rules to regulate the grant of rewards to informers in respect of offences taken cognizance of by the Forest Officers.

1. Short title and Extent.- These rules may be called the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department Reward Rules, 1970.
2. They shall extend to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh.
3. Definitions.- Unless there is anything repugnant to the subject or context, words and expressions used in these rules shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967.
4. Rewards to Informers.- Any person or persons furnishing information leading to or otherwise contributing to the detection of forest offence and or successful penal action against the offenders may be granted rewards by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests Divisional Forest Officer or Forest Range Officer
5. Conditions for grant of Reward.- (1) The Reward made under rule 3 shall be in cash and shall be in accordance with the following terms. Name of the Officer Competent to grant reward Extent of rewards that may be granted -

(a) Chief Conservator of Forests Rupees ten thousands or 15% of the value (whichever is less) of the seized forest produce of Compounding fees collected.

(b) Conservator of Forests Rupees one thousand or 15% of the value (whichever is less) of seized forest produce or compounding fees collected.

(c) Divisional Forest Officer Rupees five hundred or 15% of the value (whichever is less) of the seized forest produce or compounding fees collected.

(d) Forest Range Officer Rupees hundred or 15% of the value (whichever is less) of the seized forest produce or compounding fees collected.

(2) The Reward in any case shall not exceed Rupees ten thousand or 15% of the value of the seized forest produce.

(3) Where no forest produce is seized, a maximum of rupees one hundred can be sanctioned as reward by the Chief Conservator of Forests to a person or persons who are instrumental in detecting the cases or prosecuting the cases successfully.

(4) The quantum and conditions of rewards under sub rules (1) and (3) shall not apply to the Government Servants.

(5) Whenever the maximum prescribed amount is sanctioned by officers under sub rule (1), the sanctioning authority shall report the facts of the case to his superior.

5. Incentive rewards for preventing forest fires.- The Conservator of Forests may grant a reward not exceeding Rs. 100 to any person who render exceptionally good service in keeping a Government forest free from fire or suppressing fire or furnishes information leading to the conviction of a forest incendiary.
6. Rewards to Gazetted Officers.- The Government may grant rewards to the Gazetted Officers in exceptional cases where individual performance of very high standard is displayed in apprehension or attempted conviction of offenders or realisation of compounding fees.
7. Rewards to Non-gazetted Officers.- The Chief Conservator of Forests and other Officers in the Department may grant reward to Non Gazetted Government Employees for their exceptional performance in booking any particular offence or offences during the year as follows.
8. Rewards by Government.- The Government may grant a reward to any individual contributing to the booking and or disposal of any forest offence, if the rewards exceeds the delegated powers under these rules.
9. Rewards not to be claimed as of right.- No appeal shall lie to any authority on the grant of any reward or otherwise under these rules.