FAQ s

1. How to participate in Timber auctions ?
   Those who intend to participate in the auction have to produce a certificate from the concerned Village Officer attesting their permanent address (Nativity Certificates) or duly attested copy of the electoral card/driving licence /pass port. An amount of Rs.50000/- to be deposited in the case of sandalwood, Rs.10000/- in the case of teak and rosewood, Rs.5000/- in respect of other timber and Rs.1000/- for other Forest Produces has to be deposited as EMD. Detailed and explanatory information can be had from the Government Gazette notifying timber auction from time to time.
   
   
2. Timber that can be removed not under the cover of a pass (with in the State)
   Jack, cashew nut, Casuarina, Puvarasu, Mango, Tamarind, Nattupunna, Vaha species, Puvan, Konna, Thanni, Illuppa, Kodumpuli, Uthi, Margosa, Rubber, Murukku, Matti (Ailanthus), Anjily and Ficus species.
   
   
3. Timber Species for which cutting permission is required. 
   Sandalwood, Teakwood, Rosewood, Irul, Thempavu, Kambakam, Chempakam, Chadachi (Unnam), Chandanavembu and Cheeni (Tetrameles nudiflora).
   
   
4. Guidelines for collection of biological materials from forest areas. 
   Permit to enter Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Closed areas and to collect specimens shall be granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden for the purpose of scientific research, wherein it is felt that the study is necessary for improvement and better management of Wildlife as per Wildlife (Protection) Act. In the case of other forest areas permission shall be granted by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection).
   Permits for research works in Protected Areas and other forest areas shall be granted only for those Research Projects approved and sponsored by research Institutions of repute or Scientific Organizations or Universities owned or recognized by State Governments or Government of India. 
   Principal investigator, co-investigators and minimum number of assistant shall only be permitted to enter the Protected Areas / Forests for the work.(more details can be had from Government Order GO(MS) 86/98/F& WLD dated 21.02.98) 
   
   
   Where sand collection is allowed?
   Sand collection is allowed from Thenmala, Ranni and Thiruvanathapuram Forest Division according to the existing rules and regulations imposed by the Government of India and / or State Government from time to time.
   
   

   (For further details refer Sale Conditions)
   
   

   1. Who can participate in a tender-auction sale?
      Any one who deposits an Earnest Money (EMD) and produces proof of identity can participate in the sale. He shall also agree to abide by the Sale Conditions. EMD is Rs. 10000/- in the case of teak and rosewood (RW) and in other cases it is Rs. 5000. Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, ID issued by the EC etc are acceptable as proof of identity.
      
      
   2. How to participate in a tender-sale ?
      Before 3:00 PM on the previous day of auction, sealed tender quoting the rate offered per Cu.m of intended lots shall be presented to the concerned Timber Sales Division Office on payment of Rs 100 and sales tax. Tenderers can straight away join the auction sale next day.
      
      Sale will be knocked down in the name of Tenderer or bidder who has offered the higher rate.
      
      
   3. When does auction Start?
      Auction starts in the Depot by 10 am on the day of auction.
      
      
   4. How much money should one bring?
      Every successful bidder/tenderer will have to pay 1/5th of the sale amount (SA) including EMD as soon as auction is concluded. If the 1/5th SA exceeds Rs. One Lakh, a minimum of Rs. One lakh has to be paid then and there while the balance of 1/5th SA shall be paid within 7 days. Probable 1/8th SA can be calculated from Depot-wise Average Price List based on one's requirement.
      
      
   5. What is the size/number of logs sold?
      Timber is sold in lots. Logs of different species and sizes are classified according to the norms of timber classification Logs of the same class are grouped into lots of convenient size not exceeding 4 Cubic metres (Cu.m) for Teak and RW and 8 Cu.m for other timber. 
      
      
   6. How can one identify the lots?
      Lotting is usually completed 4-5 days prior to the auction-day. Soon a Lot-List (See Depot-wise Lot List) showing the Lot number, corresponding species, class, quality and quantity is published. A copy of it can be had from the Depot office. Lots will have paint numbers on them. You can easily examine them using the lot list.
      
      
   7. How lots are bid ? 
      Bidding is done lot by lot for a quantity on unit i.e. 1 Cubic Metre for Timber 1 MT for Firewood and Billets.
      
      
   8. How much time will it take for the release of timber after the auction ?
      Timber will be released only after confirmation of the sale by the CF and on remittance of balance SA and other dues. Countersigned Chalan for the balance SA and taxes will be sent to the buyer, under certificate o posting, immediately on receipt of confirmation.
      
      
   9. What are the current tax rates ?
      FDT – 5 % of Sale Amount (SA)
      ST- 12 % of SA+FDT
      Ast- 15% of ST
      IT- 5 % of SA+FDT+ST+AST
      
      
   10. What is the time allowed for remittance of BSA ?
       A grace period of 60 days is allowed for hardwoods from the issue-date of challan. Beyond this period extension is possible for another 60 days on payment of Peneal Interest (Pl) and Ground Rent (GR). After 120 days non-remittance would cause automatic cancellation of the sale. 
       
       
   11. Is there any provision, which enables immediate buying and removal ?
       There is provision for Spot-Confirmation if the price-rate exceeds 120% of the Schedule Rate or Average Rate (Depot wise Average Price List) for the previous 3 months whichever is higher. In this case, removal is allowed after the 7th day.
       
       
   12. Is transport arranged by KFD ?
       No. Loading and transporting are to be arranged by the buyer himself. Loading labourers are available in all Depots-premises. Loading rates vary from Depot to Depot Buyers may make local enquiry for ascertaining the loading charge.
       
       
   13. Is there any special facility available for those buying timber for their bonafide house construction purpose ?
       Those who construct houses can purchase timber by paying pre-fixed price without having to participate in the tender/auction sale. This facility is available in the following depots.

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