Guwahati: In a distressing situation, employees of Dampa Tiger Reserve, particularly employees of the Tiger Protection Force, have faced the dire predicament of working without pay for six consecutive months. C Lalnunmawia, a representative from the Tiger Protection Force, after the staff held a meeting on March 9, 2024.
During the meeting, Lalnunmawia expressed the collective frustration of the employees, stating, “Since September 2023, we have not received any pay, and we find it hard to understand this, especially when we all have families to feed.” The situation has placed a significant burden on the employees, who are grappling with financial difficulties, as even the shops that used to extend credit for groceries have now prohibited further debts.
Members of the Dampa Tiger Protection Force emphasised the challenges they are facing, with unpaid salaries affecting their ability to meet basic needs. They said the financial strain is making it increasingly difficult for them to fulfill their responsibilities, and unless the government addresses the issue promptly, they have collectively decided to cease fieldwork and duty by March 20.
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The Dampa Tiger Protection Force Association has issued an appeal to the government, urging them to take stringent action to rectify the prolonged delay in salary disbursement. The association emphasizes the critical role these employees play in the preservation and protection of the tiger reserve, and their plea underscores the urgency of addressing the financial hardships faced by the dedicated workforce.
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