Hundreds of outsourced workers affiliated with the Karnataka State Forest Department Wildlife Divisions Daily Wage/Outsourced Employees Association launched an indefinite protest in Chamarajanagar on Thursday. The demonstrators are demanding that the government abolish the outsourcing system and restore direct employment through the forest department.
Protest Location and Background
The protest is taking place on the reception premises of Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Melukamanahalli, Gundlupet taluk. Association leaders stated that the stir was initiated after the government failed to act on assurances given during a previous protest held in November 2025.
Association working president A.M. Nagaraj told the Times of India that more than 1,000 workers participated in Thursday's protest, and the turnout was expected to increase on Friday. Nagaraj emphasized that the workers would continue the strike until they receive a written assurance from the government. He accused the authorities of making promises without taking concrete action.
Key Demands and Issues
Nagaraj explained that until 2017, temporary workers were paid directly by the forest department and received benefits through the department. However, after the system was changed, salaries were routed through private agencies selected through tenders. This has led to irregular payments and difficulty in accessing benefits. Rolling back outsourcing remains the primary demand of the association.
According to the association, outsourced workers perform duties similar to those of permanent government staff and play a crucial role in forest and wildlife protection. Nagaraj stated that the protest would continue indefinitely until their demands are accepted.
The workers are determined to persist with their agitation, highlighting the critical need for stable employment and fair compensation in the forest department.
