The “Praman” Auditor Training Program was inaugurated at IIFM.

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, launched a three-day training workshop for auditors on the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) – “Praman.”

The purpose of this three-day training program is to build a strong understanding of forestry practices and equip auditors with the necessary skills to assess compliance with the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.

The inaugural session of the program was chaired by K. Ravichandran, Director of the Indian Institute of Forest Management. Dr. S.K. Singh, IFS (Retd.) PCCF; Atul Kumar Shukla, IFS (Retd.) PCCF; Dr. C.S. Tiwari, IFS (Retd.); Anvita Pandey, Chairperson (SFM and FC) and Program Director; and Shiv S. Panse, CEO, IFWCS, graced the event with their esteemed presence.

In his inaugural speech, Director K. Ravichandran emphasized the importance of the training program, which aims to sensitize auditors about the standards and certification under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS). He highlighted the significant role of IIFM in developing the certification scheme, which includes provisions for certifying trees outside forests. He said, “The success of this scheme in India holds immense potential, and farmers and other stakeholders will benefit greatly from adopting this scheme.”

Following the inaugural session, various technical sessions were conducted on the first day of training, including an overview of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS), introduction to the National Work Plan Code (NWPC 2023), Indian Forest Management Standards (IFMS), auditing principles and management, and accreditation and certification requirements for certification bodies.

The training program also includes sessions by eminent experts on topics such as IFWCS evaluation requirements, universal requirements under COC evaluation, methodologies, and evaluation reporting under IFWCS, as well as due diligence.

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