Rs. 15 a month — the continuing story in Karnataka

“There is a lot of work I have to do. From opening the classroom to sweeping it, and then arranging for drinking water. All this for a monthly salary of Rs. 15,” said 55-year-old Padma Amin, who has been working at the Fisheries Junior College in Malpe since 1970.

She and Elizabeth, who works for the same salary at the Government Teachers Training School in Balmatta, spoke at a press conference organised by the Udupi-based Human Rights Protection Foundation on Tuesday.

The Foundation had recently brought to light the cases of Akku and Leela, two women working at government institutions in Udupi for a meagre salary of Rs. 15 per month.

Foundation president Ravindranath Shanbhag said Ms. Amin and Ms. Elizabeth narrated their situation to him following reports of Akku and Leela, whose fight for a higher salary was upheld by the Supreme Court. “The two are permanent employees and have been working for Rs. 15 for over four decades. Their attendance records are available only till 1997,” Dr. Shanbhag said.

While Ms. Elizabeth joined the Teachers Training School in 1964, Ms. Amin joined the college in 1970.

Dr. Shanbhag said Ms. Elizabeth continued working after her retirement as the government had not permitted fresh appointment to the post. The school is paying her an additional amount out of the building fund and other revenue sources. “It started with Rs. 300 and now it is around Rs. 1,500 per month,” Ms. Elizabeth said.

However, Ms. Amin had not seen any such increase in salary. “I am asked to sign on a stamp paper as acknowledgement for receipt of salary. I have not seen any record pertaining to my attendance till now,” she said.

Dr. Shanbhag said that as per the Supreme Court’s order the State government should consider workers such as Ms. Amin and Ms. Elizabeth ‘Group D’ employees and pay salary accordingly. “Despite this order, there are many who continue to receive Rs. 15 as salary,” Dr. Shanbhag said.

Letters have been written to the Commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, highlighting the condition of the two women. “If there is no response, we have to consider legal action,” he said.