“Three Months Without Salary – Dark Deepavali for Karnataka’s CHOs”

Bengaluru, October 18, 2025.

Nearly 6,000 Community Health Officers (CHOs) across Karnataka continue to serve tirelessly under the National Health Mission (NHM), ensuring the health and well-being of rural communities.
However, as of today, it has been almost three full months since they last received their salaries and incentive arrears (bonus).

Those who safeguard public health are now facing a dark Deepavali — struggling to meet their basic needs while the government delays their rightful dues. This situation is not only unfortunate but also a blatant violation of labor rights.

⚠️ Salary Delay Has Pushed Thousands of Families into Crisis

1. Parents are unable to pay their children’s school fees.
2. Many CHOs cannot afford travel expenses to reach their health centers.
3. Medical and household expenses remain unmet.
4. House rent arrears are piling up, forcing some families into debt.

Even while battling these personal hardships, CHOs continue their duties — visiting households, implementing public health programs, and protecting citizens’ lives every single day.

Violation of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936

The Akhila Karnataka State Community Health Officers’ Union (R) has expressed strong protest against the delay.

“By withholding three months of salary and incentives, the government is violating the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. Timely payment is a legal and moral obligation. Those who protect the health of millions should not be left in darkness during the festival of lights.”

Union’s Key Demands

1. Immediate release of pending salaries for all 6,000 CHOs across Karnataka.
2. Payment of incentive arrears (bonus) and all other pending dues without further delay.
3. Implementation of a permanent system to prevent salary delays in the future.