Karnataka's essential 108 Arogya Kavacha free ambulance service faces potential statewide disruption as staff threaten mass resignations and an indefinite strike starting tonight, September 22. On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka sharply criticized the state government in Bengaluru, accusing it of negligence in addressing the employees' long-standing demands for salary revisions and adjusted duty schedules.
The 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance staff association had issued a 15-day ultimatum, which concludes today, September 22. They warn of a complete service shutdown if their pending salary adjustments and operational concerns remain unaddressed.
Ashoka questioned the government's priorities, stating, “Is there no value for people's lives?” He attributed the crisis to administrative failure and governmental negligence. The senior BJP leader directly challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, asking why the administration failed to resolve the grievances of ambulance employees who work tirelessly, day and night, in emergencies. “Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, can you not see the difficulties faced by ambulance employees who rush to serve people during emergencies, day and night, irrespective of rain or wind, while you make hollow speeches about public service?” Ashoka asked.
Health Minister U.T. Khader also came under fire for what Ashoka described as repeated, unproductive meetings. “Health Minister U.T. Khader, instead of holding meeting after meeting and giving excuses in the name of resolving the issue, when will justice be delivered to the employees?” Ashoka demanded.
Ashoka further alleged that an ongoing contractual dispute between the government and GVK, the service provider, was adversely impacting this crucial public emergency service. He urged the government to cease “playing with the lives of poor people” and resolve the situation immediately.
Ashoka stressed that allowing a vital, life-saving service for the vulnerable to reach this critical juncture demonstrated the Congress government's alleged incompetence. He insisted the government promptly meet the “just demands” of the 108 employees to ensure uninterrupted ambulance operations. Failure to do so, he warned, would provoke significant public resentment and a “fitting lesson” from the people of Karnataka to an “insensitive government.”
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News