Protest is mounting against the creation of the new post of nodal officer for the Attappady Hill Area Development Society (AHADS).
Ottappalam Sub-Collector P.B. Nooh, who got the additional responsibility of AHADS executive director on February 1, has informed the government his reservations about the move to appoint outgoing executive director N.C. Induchoodan as the nodal officer. Such an appointment would create confusion over the management of the institution, Mr. Nooh has reportedly informed the government.
Meanwhile, AHADS staff have sent protest letters citing a Forest Department probe finding Mr. Induchoodan responsible for some irregularities in the cardamom development project for tribals at Idamalakkudy in Idukki when he was Divisional Forest Officer there.
Mr. Nooh told The Hindu that he had just taken charge of the institution and he was yet to get any papers regarding the new post of nodal officer.
Mr. Induchoodan said he was preparing to reject the post in view of the controversies generated by the move.
Various projects
AHADS had implemented various tribal empowerment and eco-restoration projects in Attappady with a financial assistance of Rs.219 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in the past decade. The controversy is gripping the organisation while it was expecting JICA funds for a similar project in Wayanad.
Revitalisation of the organisation is required as many projects it started in Attappady needed continued action.
Action plan
Mr. Nooh said he would work out an action plan after getting clarification from the government.
Move to appoint outgoing executive director as nodal officer
AHADS staff send protest letters against move
