Sun Aug 31 13:37:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten version as a news article, incorporating some stylistic elements you might find in *The Hindu*.

**Summary:**

Panchayat employees in Karnataka are protesting the state government’s neglect of their long-standing demand for a pay revision. They accuse the government of implementing “anti-employee” and “anti-people” policies, including hiring workers at lower wages (Jala Sakhis) and planning to outsource key roles, ultimately threatening job security. The employees are demanding regularisation of services, a minimum wage of ₹31,000 per month, and a pension of ₹11,000 per month for retired workers. They held a district convention, elected delegates for a state-level conference, and resolved to intensify their protests.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Panchayat Employees Decry Government Neglect, Threaten Intensified Protests**

*MYSURU, August 31, 2025* – The Karnataka State government is facing sharp criticism for its alleged neglect of panchayat employees, whose long-standing demand for pay revision remains unaddressed. The issue took center stage at the district convention of the Karnataka State Gram Panchayat Employees Association held on Sunday in Mysuru.

Association President M.B. Nadagouda expressed deep concern over the government’s inaction. “Panchayat workers are the crucial link ensuring that government facilities and the benefits of welfare schemes reach every villager’s doorstep. Yet, our plea for a just pay revision continues to fall on deaf ears,” he stated.

Beyond the pay dispute, Mr. Nadagouda also highlighted what he described as a worrying trend toward privatisation within the panchayat system. He pointed to the appointment of “Jala Sakhis” at lower wages to replace watermen, and the rumored plans to abolish the posts of tax collectors and computer operators by outsourcing work on contract, a model already prevalent in Tamil Nadu. “These actions reveal a government strategy aimed at displacing panchayat employees, leaving them without livelihoods,” he warned.

The association further accused the government of failing to provide even the minimum wage necessary to cope with rising prices. “The current policies are not only anti-employee, but fundamentally anti-people, undermining the very fabric of rural governance,” Mr. Nadagouda asserted.

The convention was attended by CITU district president G. Jayaram and Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha district secretary Jagadish Surya, among other dignitaries. Delegates were elected to represent the district at the upcoming state-level conference scheduled to be held in Yadgir from September 12 to 14.

A firm resolution was passed at the end of the convention which stated, “We will intensify our struggle until our demands are met, including the regularization of all panchayat employees as government staff, a minimum monthly wage of ₹31,000, and a pension of ₹11,000 per month for retired workers.” The association warned of widespread protests if the government continues to ignore their demands.

**Key Improvements & Considerations in the Article:**

* **Headline:** Clear, concise, and focuses on the core issue and potential consequences.
* **Location and Date:** Standard journalistic practice.
* **Attribution:** Quotes from the association president are clearly attributed.
* **Facts and Figures:** Included to bolster the narrative.
* **Language:** More formal tone, reflecting the style of *The Hindu*.
* **Context:** Adds context about the Tamil Nadu model for outsourcing, adding depth for the reader.
* **Impact:** Highlights the potential consequences of the government’s actions.
* **Balanced Perspective:** While primarily reporting the employees’ grievances, a future article would ideally include a statement from the government to present a balanced view.

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