Bangalore: In a major policy decision, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyappa announced that the Government would retain the services of the 17,000-odd daily wage and contract employees in various departments.

Mr. Yediyurappa, who also holds the Finance portfolio made the statement while replying to P.G.R. Sindhia, Vatal Nagaraj, Araga Jnanendra, S.B. Patil, Vishveshvara Hegde Kageri, G.V. Srirama Reddy and M.T. Krishnappa who raised the issue during the Zero Hour. He said that the Government would come to the rescue of such employees on humanitarian grounds. The members had said that president of the Karnataka State Government Daily Wage Workers/Employees Federation K.S. Sharma had been fighting the case in the courts. The Supreme Court had not allowed their petition and they were facing removal.

The members said that thousands of employees working for periods ranging from 10 to 17 years and many of whom on the verge of retirement had come to Bangalore to stage a dharna demanding that they should not be removed from service. The Government should withdraw the circular issued by Chief Secretary B.K. Das as a prelude to the removal of the 17,000 employees, who had been suffering as their wages were as low as Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200 a month. They were also being denied leave and other statutory facilities.

Many over-aged

Mr. Jnanendra said that most of them were drivers, Group D employees, second division assistants and cleaners and they could not find other jobs, as they were over-aged. The functioning of many a government office would come to a standstill if they were to be removed from service. Already many departments were facing shortage of staff. The Supreme Court judgment could be implemented in future and not for the employees who were on temporary service.

Mr. Sindhia said letting them continue in service would cost only Rs. 65 crore and urged the Government to invite Mr. Sharma for a discussion and solve the problem in two months.

Mr. Hegde, Mr. Reddy, Mr. Krishnappa reminded the Government that it had a social responsibility too. Mr. Patil was sore that the Government had not even implemented the Minimum Wages Act.

The Deputy Chief Minister amidst thumping of desks from the Opposition benches said: "On no occasion, the daily wagers and contract workers would be removed and they would be protected."

He said that he knew that the wages were very meagre.

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