Several gram sahayaks working in the Revenue Department staged a dharna outside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Thursday, demanding regularisation of their services and recognition as Group D employees.
The protesters, under the banner of the Karnataka State Revenue Department Gram Sahayakas’ Association, drew the attention of the government to their long-pending demands and financial difficulties. President of the association Shaukat B. Savanursaid 10,450 workers had been appointed as gram sahayaks since 1977–78. In 33 years of their service, the gram sahayaks monthly salary had been increased from Rs. 100 to Rs. 3,500 only. Though the government had issued an order in 2007 to regularise their services, no follow up was done, he said.
Mr. Savanur said the government had regularised the services of daily wage workers, but failed to take a decision on the demands of gram sahayaks. Their demands include Rs. 1 lakh compensation and pension benefits for retired workers and employment to a member of the family of a deceased gram sahayak. Also, the association demanded that the government take action against officials harassing gram sahayaks by engaging them in domestic chores and night duties.