Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary Jamshedpur Workers Go On Strike Over Labour Union

Jamshedpur: Tension has escalated between the daily-wage workers of the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and the Forest Department. Forest labourers have launched a collective strike, halting all ongoing work at the sanctuary to protest the alleged retrenchment of their colleagues for forming a labour union.

According to the workers, the department began targeting staff members shortly after they formed a union to voice their grievances and submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Labor leaders alleged that worker Khirod Singh was first taken off duty. Following the formal establishment of the union, two more workers—Mahesh Mahli and Mangal Singh—were subsequently dismissed. In protest against these retaliatory actions, the entire workforce has collectively downed tools.

Long Hours, Low Pay, and Zero Social Security

Striking workers highlighted the harsh working conditions they endure at the sanctuary, alleging systemic exploitation by the authorities. They claimed they are routinely forced to work day and night shifts, often stretching beyond 12 hours, yet they are paid for only 26 days a month.

The labourers pointed out a complete absence of employee benefits. Despite the high-risk nature of forest policing, they receive no Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), health cover, or life insurance. The newly formed Dalma Forest Workers’ Union also raised the issue of Vikram Hansda, a daily-wage worker who was injured on duty but received no medical or financial assistance from the department.

Union Demands Immediate Intervention

The Dalma Forest Workers’ Union has put forward a clear list of demands before resuming work:

• Immediate reinstatement of dismissed workers Khirod Singh, Mahesh Mahli, and Mangal Singh.
• Provision of social security benefits, including PF and health insurance, for all daily-wage staff.
• Deployment of permanent government guards or senior officers during night shifts to ensure safety.

Union leaders have warned that the strike will continue indefinitely until the DFO holds official talks with them and resolves the crisis.