Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Permanent Commission for Backward Classes’ caste census report submitted to the government has sparked discontent among the Nekara community. While welcoming the effort to collect caste-wise data, community leaders have expressed serious concerns about the methodology and accuracy of figures related to the Nekara population in the report, calling it unscientific and misleading.
In response, prominent religious heads, political representatives, and dignitaries from the Nekara community have convened multiple meetings and urged the state government to conduct a fresh survey to address discrepancies in the current report.
Taking proactive steps, the Karnataka State Nekara Community Federation has developed a dedicated mobile application to collect accurate data directly from community members. This app allows individuals and families belonging to the Nekara community to submit their demographic and household information digitally.
The Federation has now launched a state-wide initiative to independently enumerate members of the Nekara community across all 224 legislative assembly constituencies. Local community leaders and office bearers have been tasked with reaching out to Nekara households to gather and upload the data into the application.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Bengaluru, Federation President B.S. Somashekar stated that the move is aimed at ensuring the true population of the Nekara community is recorded and recognized, thus securing their rightful place in state policies and welfare schemes.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಜೂನ್ 6, 2025 – ಕೋಟಕ್ ಮಹೀಂದ್ರಾ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ನ ಹಿರಿಯ ನೌಕರ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ದೀರ್ಘಕಾಲೀನ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಸಿ. ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ, ತಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಅನ್ಯಾಯವಾಗಿ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದಿಂದ ಹೊರಗಾಕಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂಬ ಗಂಭೀರ ಆರೋಪವನ್ನು ಇಂದು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಪತ್ರಿಕಭವನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರಹಾಕಿದರು.
28 ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಮತ್ತು ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಶ್ರಮಿಸಿದ್ದ ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ, 2024ರಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ವಿಭಾಗೀಯ ಸಭೆಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ಉಪಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗೆ ಬಡ್ತಿ ಕೋಟಾ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗಿರುವುದು ಮತ್ತು ಅರೆಕಾಲಿಕ ನೌಕರರ ಬಡ್ತಿ ನೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆಯ ಕೊರತೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಆತ ಮತ್ತು ಕೆಲ ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿಗಳು ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಎತ್ತಿದ್ದರೆಂದು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.
ಇದೇ ಕುರಿತು 2024ರ ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 24 ಮತ್ತು ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್ 22 ರಂದು ಲಿಖಿತ ಮೇಲ್ಮನವಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರೂ ಯಾವುದೇ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗಲಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಅವರು ದೂರು ಹೇಳಿದರು. “ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸದಸ್ಯರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಚರ್ಚಿಸಿದ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ನನಗೆ ‘ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ ವಿರೋಧಿ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆ’ ಎಂಬ ನೋಟಿಸ್ ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು,” ಎಂದ ಅವರು, “35 ರಿಂದ 40 ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಹಿ ಹಾಕಿದ್ದರೂ ಕ್ರಮ ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ಮಾತ್ರವೇ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗಿದೆ” ಎಂಬ ಆಕ್ಷೇಪವನ್ನು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.
ತಮ್ಮ ಉಚ್ಚಾಟನೆ ಏಕಪಕ್ಷೀಯವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಯಾವುದೇ ನಿಷ್ಪಕ್ಷಪಾತ ತನಿಖೆ ಅಥವಾ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟ ವಿಚಾರಣೆ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಸದಸ್ಯತ್ವ ರದ್ದುಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು. ನೋಟಿಸ್ಗೆ ಉತ್ತರ ನೀಡಿದರೂ ಸಹ ಯಾವುದೇ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಗಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಭಾಷಾತ್ಮಕ ಭೇದಭಾವದ ದೃಷ್ಠಾಂತವನ್ನೂ ಅವರು ನೀಡಿದರು. ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾವೀಣ್ಯ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇರುವುದರಿಂದ ನೋಟಿಸ್ ಅನ್ನು ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ವಿನಂತಿಸಿದ್ದರೂ, ಅದನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಲಕ್ಷಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದರು. “ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ಕಚೇರಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದು ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯಭಾಷೆಯಾದರೂ ಸಹ, ಕನ್ನಡವನ್ನು ಕಡೆಗಣಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ,” ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಆಕ್ರೋಶ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.
ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ನಾಯಕತ್ವದ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ತೀವ್ರ ಅಸಮಾಧಾನ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ, ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ರೂ. 50,000 ರಿಂದ ₹60,000ವರೆಗೆ ಗೌರವಧನ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿ, “ಆದರೂ ಅವರು ತಳಮಟ್ಟದ ನೌಕರರ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನಿರ್ಲಕ್ಷ್ಯವನ್ನೇ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ” ಎಂದರು. “ನಾವು ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ ವಿರೋಧಿಗಳು ಅಲ್ಲ. ನಾವು ನ್ಯಾಯ, ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮಾನತೆಯ ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಾಗಿ ಹೋರಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಒಕ್ಕೂಟವು ತನ್ನ ಸದಸ್ಯರ ಧ್ವನಿಯಾಗಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಬೇಕು — ಅವರನ್ನು ಮೌನಗೊಳಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ,” ಎಂದು ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.
ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 11ರಂದು ಹೈದ್ರಾಬಾದ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯಲಿರುವ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟದ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೈತಿಕ ನಾಯಕತ್ವಕ್ಕೆ ಬೆಂಬಲ ನೀಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ನೌಕರರಿಗೆ ಕರೆ ನೀಡಿದ ಅವರು, ತಮ್ಮ ಸದಸ್ಯತ್ವವನ್ನು ಮರುಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸುವಂತೆ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ನಿಷ್ಪಕ್ಷಪಾತವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಬೇಕೆಂಬ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ರಾಮಾಚಾರಿ ಅಂತಿಮವಾಗಿ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.
“ಒಕ್ಕೂಟವು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ನೌಕರರ ಧ್ವನಿಯಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂಬ ಆಶಯದೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಬೆಂಬಾಲಕರು ಶಾಂತಿಯುತ ಹೋರಾಟ ಮುಂದುವರಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ,” ಎಂದು ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಕ್ತಾಯಗೊಳಿಸಿದರು.
Bengaluru, June 6 – In a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru, C. Ramachari, a long-serving employee of Kotak Mahindra Bank and a member of the bank’s staff union for the past 28 years, alleged that he was unfairly expelled from the union after raising concerns about the rights and welfare of lower-level and part-time employees.
Ramachari stated that during the divisional meeting held in Hubballi last year, he and several colleagues voiced issues regarding the reduction in promotion quotas for sub-staff and the lack of clarity surrounding the promotion process for part-time employees. Despite submitting formal representations to the union leadership — including written appeals dated April 24, 2024, and September 22, 2024 — he claimed that the union’s General Secretary failed to offer any concrete response.
“Rather than addressing our concerns, I was issued a notice accusing me of anti-union activities, solely for discussing these matters with fellow members,” Ramachari said. He noted that approximately 35 to 40 union members had signed letters raising similar issues, but action was selectively taken against him alone.
He further criticized the unilateral nature of his expulsion, claiming there was no transparent or fair inquiry process. Despite replying to the notice, no review was conducted before revoking his membership, he alleged.
Ramachari also raised concerns over language discrimination. “I requested that the notice be issued in Kannada, as I have limited knowledge of English, but my plea was ignored,” he said, pointing out that although the union’s headquarters is based in Bengaluru, the use of Kannada is disregarded by senior office-bearers.
Expressing disappointment over the current leadership, Ramachari alleged that the General Secretary receives a substantial monthly honorarium from the union’s funds — approximately ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 — yet remains indifferent to the grievances of rank-and-file employees.
“We are not against the union. We are fighting for transparency, fairness, and justice. The union must protect workers’ rights, not silence them,” he said, urging fellow employees to support ethical leadership in the upcoming union elections scheduled for December 11 in Hyderabad.
Ramachari concluded by demanding that his membership be reinstated and that the entire incident be reviewed impartially. He reiterated that he and his supporters would continue their peaceful struggle to ensure the union remains a true voice for all employees.
Bengaluru, June 6, 2025: In light of the Supreme Court’s recent directive to enact a national law for domestic workers, the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Karnataka held a press conference at the Bengaluru Press Club, urging the central and state governments to take immediate action. The movement emphasized the urgent need for legislation to protect the rights and dignity of lakhs of domestic workers across the country.
Domestic workers, most of whom are women from underprivileged backgrounds, remain one of the most vulnerable and unrecognized labor groups. Employed in homes to cook, clean, wash clothes, and care for children and the elderly, these workers often face exploitative conditions, discrimination, and lack of basic labor protections.
“While we care for other people’s homes and families, our own lives are ignored by the system,” said Sahaya, a representative of the movement.
Harsh Realities Faced by Domestic Workers:
Over 90% of domestic workers are women and girls aged 12 to 65, many of them migrants from rural areas.
Workers are denied rest, access to toilets, proper food, or time off, especially those employed full-time.
Instances of verbal abuse, caste-based discrimination, and even false accusations of theft are common.
Migrant domestic workers are particularly isolated, often losing touch with their culture and language, and working in fear and silence.
Key Demands Presented by NDWM Karnataka:
1. Inclusion under Workplace Sexual Harassment Law Tailored mechanisms to address harassment within private homes, as current district-level redressal systems are ineffective.
2. Access to ESI and Provident Fund Like other formal sector employees, domestic workers should be covered under Employee State Insurance and PF schemes.
3. Enforcement of Minimum Wages While minimum wage notifications exist, they are rarely enforced. The movement is also pushing for a living wage standard.
4. Paid Weekly Leave and Bonus Most domestic workers do not receive weekly offs, paid sick leave, or annual bonuses, despite working long hours for low wages.
5. Protection Against Arbitrary Dismissal Employers often terminate workers without notice or compensation. NDWM demands mandatory notice periods and severance pay.
6. Grievance Redressal Mechanism and Helpline A dedicated helpline and complaints system should be set up to address grievances related to wages, abuse, and unfair treatment.
7. Legal Age Limit for Domestic Work To curb child labor, the law should define a minimum legal working age for domestic workers.
8. End to Caste Discrimination Many workers from Dalit and marginalized communities face segregation in utensils and are restricted to cleaning jobs. NDWM seeks legal protection against such practices.
9. Recognition as Formal Workers Both domestic workers and employers should be registered with the Labor Department. Workers must be issued official ID cards.
10. Social Security and Pension A dedicated Social Security Board for domestic workers is needed to ensure long-term welfare, including pension benefits.
11. Action Against Trafficking and Unregulated Placement Agencies Many young girls are trafficked for domestic work. NDWM demands regulation and registration of all placement agencies.
12. Wage Revision and Overtime Pay Employers rarely offer wage increases. NDWM urges the implementation of regular salary hikes and overtime compensation.
Addressing the media, representatives Shashikala, Bipin, Jabeena, and Karibasappa stressed that the Supreme Court’s recent direction offers a ray of hope—but only if backed by strong policy action and enforcement. “The law must recognize the invisible hands that keep our cities running. It’s time domestic workers are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” the representatives said.
Bengaluru, June 5 — A grand religious and cultural event was organized on Thursday at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mata located in Jayanagar 5th Block, under the guidance of Paramapujya Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji and the leadership of the senior administrator of the Mata, Sri R.K. Vadindracharya.
The day began with elaborate rituals including Panchamrita Abhisheka, Kanakabhisheka, special alankara (decorative offerings), Maha Mangalarati, followed by Annadana (free community meal service) for the devotees.
In the evening, a series of spiritual and cultural programs were held, including a grand Rathotsava (chariot festival), Gajavahanotsava (elephant procession), Ashtavadhana (a traditional literary performance), and Cradle Pooja. As part of the cultural segment, a Bharatanatyam performance was presented by students of the Veena Nrutya Shaale, choreographed and directed by Sri Akash Narsipura.
Speaking about the event, Sri Nandakishore Achar stated that thousands of devotees participated in the day-long celebrations and received the blessings of Sri Hari Vayu Gurugalu.
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