On 29 January 2008, the daily wage employees of the Forest Department of Karnataka submitted a memorandum to the government through its representatives, demanding immediate payment of salaries pending for the last eight months and enhancing it as per the PWD schedule of rates. If immediate action is not taken, the employees threatened to go on a dharna to achieve their demands.

According to the Forest Department sources, the workers were not paid due to paucity of funds. Karnataka State Forest Department Daily Wages Employees` Association had pointed out that the daily wages of these employees was fixed as Rs 122. 78 but was changed later with an order from the Chief Conservator of Forests vide reference no. D.BUD.CR.36/07/08, dated 16 January 2008, reducing it to Rs 91. The order was issued as a follow-up to a meeting held in the chambers of the Principal Secretary, Finance Department, on 26 November 2007, stating that the minimum wages fixed by the PWD was much higher than the wages fixed by the labour department.

According to the representation given by the Association, if the order of the Chief Conservator is implemented, around 10 lakh employees will be adversely affected by a reduction of Rs 51 per day from their wages. The memorandum stated that the daily wages of the employees till 2005 was Rs 91.30. This was enhanced by the PWD on 1 April 2006 to Rs 132.65 and further to Rs 142.65 with effect from 1 April 2007. The Association was demanding payment as per the PWD norms.

According to representatives of the Association, if a reduction happens, the employees would receive less salary for the eight months already worked for. The Association has decided to go on a dharna in front of Raj Bhavan, Bangalore, if the government does not listen to their plea.