Karnataka Forest Department Outsourced Workers Threaten Indefinite Strike From April 30
In a significant development, more than 3,500 outsourced and daily wage employees affiliated with the Outsourced/Daily Wages Employees Association of the Karnataka State Forest Department have declared an indefinite strike commencing on April 30. The workers, stationed in critical roles across anti-poaching camps, Elephant Task Forces, and various departmental sections, are demanding immediate action on their long-pending grievances.
Core Demands and Historical Context
The association's primary demands include the complete cancellation of the outsourcing system within the forest department and the extension of essential welfare measures to all employees. SS Harish, the state vice-president of the association, provided historical context, revealing that in 2017, thousands of daily wage employees who had been serving since 1996 were abruptly converted to outsourced staff. "Since that conversion, we have been systematically deprived of all facilities and benefits," Harish alleged during a press interaction.
He emphasized the critical nature of their work, stating, "Our roles require round-the-clock dedication, yet we are denied the basic protections and support that should accompany such vital responsibilities." The workers had initially planned to initiate the strike on April 1 but postponed it after receiving assurances that their demands would be positively considered. However, despite a convened meeting, no concrete resolutions were achieved.
Broken Promises and Escalating Tensions
Harish further detailed a pattern of broken promises, noting that similar assurances were provided in November 2025. "The government's inaction has left us with no alternative but to proceed with an indefinite strike," he asserted. The association's decision underscores growing frustration among the workforce, who feel their contributions are undervalued and their welfare neglected.
The impending strike threatens to disrupt essential forest conservation and protection activities across Karnataka, potentially impacting anti-poaching efforts and wildlife management operations. The employees' unified stance highlights broader issues within public sector outsourcing practices and the treatment of non-permanent staff in critical environmental roles.
