GUWAHATI: A research team from Department of Psychology, Cotton University led by Dr Dimpy Mahanta carried out a research project on the Stress, Well-being & Motivation of the Field Staff of the Kaziranga National Park. The empirical research was fully-funded by the Kaziranga National Park Staff Welfare Society (KNPSWS).
Part of the research and its findings and recommendations were published in the May 2019 Issue of a UGC-CARE Listed peer-reviewed International Journal. This research is a first-of-its-kind in the country and is a pioneer work in the area of mental health and motivation of the field staff with empirical and rich data to substantiate for the greater cause.
Dr Dimpy Mahanta, along with her research team, submitted the recommendations for the State Budget on 24th February, 2020 to Assam finance minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF Wildlife), MK Yadava. The prime focus was on enhancing Well-being and Motivation of the Field Staff of National Park of the state by providing equitable incentives and allowances to the field staff.
The government of Assam through its budget has accepted one of the many recommendations to motivate the field staff by introducing Incentive Schemes for the Frontline Workers of the three national parks of the state, namely Kaziranga, Manas and Orang National Parks on the same scale as the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The government has assured to look into the other recommendations like setting up of medical centres at Kohora along with 24/7 ambulance services at each of the range offices at Kaziranga National Park, efficient grievance redressal mechanism for the field staff, potable drinking water facility, elevated pathways and highland constructions at core areas of KNP, etc.
