The trapping and sale of quails, partridges, ducks, rabbits etc is strictly prohibited in the state. But these creatures are openly trapped and sold. Sources said that the information system of the department is extremely inefficient due to which the illegal trade in wildlife is flourishing.

Following the amendments in Wildlife Act, the forest department has been given the power to confiscate the property of wildlife offenders. The amendment came into force from April 1 2003. Under the amendment, the forest and police departments are authorised to take joint action against those earning money through illegal trade of wildlife.

According to the provisions of the Act the property of the offender's relatives can also be seized. The property of offender's wife, father, grandfather, son grandson, brother, sister etc can be seized under the amended Act. This amendment had been made because the offenders usually register the property in the name of their relatives to escape action.

However nearly three years have passed since the amendments in the Wildlife Act came into force but not in a single case the forest department authorities have seized the property of wildlife offenders. The department has not even listed the persons engaged in the illegal trade of wildlife.

Documents to have 'Mother's Name'

Bhopal, Dec 22 The state government has issued orders to all government offices, public sector undertakings and institutions to print mother's name on all the advertisements, certificates and other documents issued by them.

Accordingly, instead of the name of father/husband the name of mother-father/husband or wife (spouse) will be printed.

The orders have been issued in the light of the recommendation of the petition committee of Rajya Sabha in its 99th report in this regard. In the light of a special reference made by K. Ram Mohanrao in Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2005 the Women and Child Development Department of Government of India has asked all the government to do so.