Filed by Milton.Lawrence@timesofindia.comCleared by AravindMysuru: The death of forest watcher Mahadeva Swamy, a daily wage worker at M M Hills, has once again highlighted the harsh and risky conditions faced by outsourced staffers in the Forest Department.His death has renewed scrutiny of how anti-poaching and protection duties are being handled on the ground, and whether basic safety and welfare measures for frontline workers are being met. He was killed by a jumbo near the anti-poaching camp while two other staff escaped.Karnataka State Forest Outsourced Workers’ Association claimed that, as per norms, an anti-poaching camp should have one permanent employee and three outsourced workers and be provided with weapons for their safety. However, in many places, camps are largely being run by outsourced employees all alone. The association alleged these workers are not provided with essential protection such as firearms or vehicles, even though they are expected to patrol forest areas, prevent poaching, and respond to emergencies.Karnataka State Forest Department Daily Wages and Outsourced Employees Association Vice-President SS Harish told TOI that the department won’t provide weapons such as double-barrelled or sliding guns to outsourced employees, claiming they’re not permanent staff. But most of the core duties are carried out by them. Moreover, outsourced employees aren’t freshers but those who have served the department for more than 20-25 years. They have experience working only in the department for more than 20-25 years. They have experience in handling situations, but without any weapons, they’re exposed during dangerous encounters, he said.According to him, about two-three outsourced employees die in animal attacks and a few escape attacks with injuries every year.The association claimed the staffers have to stay put at the camp round the clock and work a minimum of 12 hours a day, and they’re also not eligible for paid leave. Salary is paid only for 26 working days, thus violating laws governing employment.Harish claimed about 1,000 are employed as outsourced workers in Nagarahole, Bandipur and BRT Tiger reserves and MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Kodagu, and working at various positions as jeep drivers, office staffers and watchers who are deputed to anti-poaching camps and patrol and beat duties.The association representing outsourced staffers claims repeated assurances from govt have not been implemented despite having protested twice since November 2025. They are demanding that wages be paid directly by govt instead of through contractors and that the outsource system be abolished. According to the association, govt is spending around ₹24,000 per worker, but the worker receives only about ₹16,000, with the remainder attributed to contractor-related costs and taxes.An officer attached to Nagarahole Tiger Reserve claimed that about 350 outsourced workers are currently engaged in the forest and that all facilities are being provided. The forester also stated that in the event of a death, govt provides around ₹25 lakh compensation, and under a bank-linked scheme an additional ₹30 lakh would be paid to the next of kin. A family member would also be given a job, the forester added.Eom
