Forest Nursery Workers Demand Pending Wages

Deccan Freedom, Kumram Bheem Asifabad, December 6, 2024:

AITUC District Secretary Boge Upender has demanded the immediate payment of pending wages to workers employed in forest nurseries in Rebbena, Tiryani, and Sirpur (T) areas of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district. On Friday, a representation was submitted to AO Venkata Krishna at the District Forest Officer’s (DFO) office.

Speaking on the occasion, Upender highlighted that workers have not received their wages for the past nine months, leaving them in severe financial distress and forcing many to rely on debts to sustain their families. Despite multiple representations to forest officials, no action has been taken, with only delays and excuses being offered. Upender demanded strict action against negligent officials and warned that if wages are not paid immediately, the AITUC would stage a protest at the DFO office.

The demands included a minimum daily wage of ₹600, ESI and PF benefits, monthly wage disbursement by the 5th of every month via bank transfers, and a ₹10 lakh accident insurance policy for workers. The event was attended by Telangana Forest Nursery Workers Union District President T. Divakar, Vice President Santosh, District General Secretary Durga Sanghamitra, and workers Shankaramma, Meenakshi, Tara, and Nirmala, among others.