Forest Dept. daily wagers stage protest seeking regularisation of services

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 05, 2016: Members of the Karnataka State Forest Department Daily Wage Employees’ Association  took out a protest march from Padil Junction to the Aranya Bhavan at Alape on January 5, Tuesday  demanding regularisation of their services. A demonstration was staged outside the Aranya Bhavan wherein the protestors also demanded that the services of those workers  serving under the PCP (Petty Cash Payment) system also be regularised and extended benefits provided to other workers.

A.M. Nagaraju, State President of the Association, who addressed the protestors said several daily wagers have been waiting for regularisation of their services since the past 15 years as under the daily wage system they are not entitled for pension, social security and other benefits.

District Chief Conservator of Forest Hanumanthappa who arrived at the protest venue explained to the protestors that there was no scope to regularise the services of daily wagers as they have been appointed on contract basis. This explanation did not satisfy the protestors leading to an altercation between the officer and the protestors.

Hanumanthappa who later spoke to reporters, informed that though the Department had tried its level best within its limits to get the services of the daily wagers regularised, it has failed in its attempt. He also stated that there was nothing to prove that the workers have been serving the Department since 15 years.