Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)
Udupi, Mar 21: Staff members of the 108 emergency Arogya Kavacha service have raised concerns over a deduction of Rs 6000 from their salaries without explanation since November 2023.
The GVK organization, responsible for operating the 108 emergency service on contract, has been deducting Rs 6000 from the salaries of drivers and other staff members. Despite repeated queries, the company has failed to provide any justification for this sudden deduction, leaving the affected employees feeling helpless.
Currently, there are 18 Arogya Kavacha ambulances operating under the district hospital of Udupi, requiring a total of 90 personnel. However, due to the ongoing deduction issue, only 60 staff members, including 45 drivers and 15 support staff, are managing the workload. This salary deduction issue appears to be widespread across Karnataka.
Addressing the media in a press conference held by the Suvarna Karnataka Arogya Kavacha (108) employees' association, driver Kotrappa expressed concern over the situation. He stated that their monthly salary, which used to be Rs 36000, has been reduced by Rs 6000 without any explanation from the contractor. Kotrappa emphasized the financial strain this deduction has caused, particularly in meeting family expenses such as school fees for their children.
Other members present at the press conference included Kishore Kumar, Shanthe Gowda, and Vishwanath.