The Forest Department has taken strong action against an agency, blacklisting it for its egregious failure to pay salaries and remit crucial social security contributions, such as EPF and ESI, to 122 outsourced employees stationed at the BRT Tiger Reserve.
These 122 outsourced staff members were vital to operations within the Yelandur Wildlife Subdivision. An extensive internal audit and departmental investigations revealed a pattern of repeated contractual violations by the firm, despite numerous warnings and notices.
The company in question, RC Business Solutions from Mysuru, has not only been prohibited from participating in any government tenders for two years but has also seen its Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and other security deposits forfeited.
This decisive action was prompted by persistent breaches of contractual obligations and the submission of incomplete documentation by the contractor, as detailed in the recently issued order.
The order highlighted that the outsourced workforce, which includes a range of personnel such as clerical assistants, computer operators, light vehicle drivers, and anti-poaching camp security, had not received their timely salaries or social security benefits for a six-month period, spanning from September 2024 to February 2025.
These severe lapses came to light following a thorough investigation conducted by the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Yelandur, and a dedicated review committee. Their inquiry was initiated by a combination of public complaints, Right to Information (RTI) queries, and a suo motu complaint filed with the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.
The committee’s report conclusively confirmed that R.C. Business Solutions had improperly handled and failed to deposit EPF and ESI contributions. Furthermore, it revealed a shocking neglect to extend financial benefits to the family of a deceased anti-poaching staff member.
The tragic death of Nanja, an anti-poaching staff member from the Arepalya Camp in the Kollegal Wildlife Division, occurred on December 22, 2024, during night duty in the sensitive Thimmarajipura-Karalakate forest border area.
The Forest Department’s order explicitly criticized the contractor for its utter irresponsibility in failing to provide EPF, ESI, and other vital financial support to Nanja’s surviving family members.
Officials emphasized that the consistent non-payment significantly impacted the livelihoods of these outsourced employees, who depend entirely on their Forest Department roles for patrolling and other critical conservation activities. Erratic payments also forced these dedicated field workers to make repeated, disruptive visits to the contractor’s office, further hindering essential forest protection efforts.
Giridhar Kulkarni, a prominent wildlife conservationist, has since urged for a comprehensive, state-wide investigation to uncover if similar issues are prevalent elsewhere. He passionately argued that outsourced temporary forest staff, who dedicate themselves day and night with meager salaries and minimal facilities, are being unjustly deprived of their fundamental social security rights.
“The non-payment of EPF not only inflicts immense hardship but also deeply demoralizes our frontline staff who bravely risk their lives to safeguard our precious forests and wildlife,” Kulkarni stated. He has vowed to file a formal complaint with the authorities, demanding robust legal action against all parties responsible for these violations.