By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

The Forest Department has blacklisted an agency for its failure to pay salaries and remit EPF and ESI contributions, and other social security benefits to 122 outsourced employees of BRT Tiger Reserve.

The 122 outsourced employees were deployed in the Yelandur Wildlife Subdivision and internal audit and investigations of the department revealed that the firm had repeatedly violated the contractual obligations despite issuance of multiple notices.

The firm, RC Business Solutions in Mysuru, has not only been barred from participating in government tenders for a period of two years, its EMD and security deposits submitted at the time of participating in the tender have been forfeited.

The decision follows repeated violations of contractual obligations by the contractor, despite multiple notices and submissions of incomplete documentation, as per the order which was issued recently.

The order indicated that the outsourced workforce, which includes clerical assistants, computer operators, light vehicle drivers, and anti-poaching camp security personnel, had not received timely salaries or social security benefits from September 2024 to February 2025.

The lapses came to light after an investigation by the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Yelandur, and a review committee, prompted by complaints, RTI queries, and a suo motu complaint filed with the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.

The committee report confirmed that R.C. Business Solutions had failed to deposit EPF and ESI contributions properly and had not extended financial benefits to the heirs of a deceased anti-poaching staff member.

Nanja, a staff member of the Arepalya Anti-Poaching Camp of Kollegal Wildlife Division, died on December 22, 2024 when he was on night duty in the Thimmarajipura – Karalakate area bordering the forest.

The Forest Department order noted that the contractor had displayed irresponsibility in not providing EPF, ESI and other financial facilities to the surviving family members of Nanja.

According to the officials, timely non-payment affected the livelihood of the outsourced employees who rely entirely on the Forest Department jobs like patrolling, and other conservation activities. Irregular payments also forced the outsourced field workers to repeatedly visit the contractor’s office thus disrupting forest protection work.

Giridhar Kulkarni, wildlife conservationist, called for a State-wide probe to ascertain if there were similar issues elsewhere. He said outsourced temporary forest staff, who toil day and night with meagre salaries and minimal facilities, were being denied their most important social security measures.

“Non-payment of EPF not only causes immense hardship but also demoralises the frontline staff who risk their lives to protect our forests and wildlife,” he added. Calling for legal action against all violators, Mr. Kulkarni said he would file a formal complaint to the authorities in this regard.