Representatives of the Karnataka State Government Employees Association (KSGEA) will hold talks with the Principal Secretary, Finance, to extend the same benefits-special pay and risk allowance which the police department enjoys to Forest Guards.

Speaking at a diary release and felicitation event organised by the Karnataka State Foresters Association on Sunday,  KSGEA President Byrappa said the problems faced by various cadres of the Forest Department will be placed before the government soon.

The pay of the foresters were on par with the police sub-inspectors till 1982 but now we are left behind, said General Secretary of KSFA Lingappa. “We  are striving to protect animals, forests and also have the additional responsibility of implementing new programmes as the Secretary of Village Forest Committees,” he said.  The weekly allowance of Police Constables, Head Constables and Assistant Sub Inspectors is Rs 50 a week, while  Forest Guards, Forest Watchers and Foresters are paid Rs 30, he pointed out. Disparities in the pay scale between states among the ranks of Range Forest Officers, Foresters and state level officers, should be ironed out using special pay compensation and supplementary pay for those posted in remote areas proposed U V Singh,  Conservator of Forests, Bangalore Circle, on the occasion.