THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has sanctioned Rs 6 crore to pay wage arrears of forest protection watchmen that have been pending for months. Full dues will be paid before Onam. The action was taken in a report published by Kerala Kaumudi pointing out that more than 3,000 watchmen, including tribals, who work as daily wage workers in the forest department, have not received their wages for nearly seven months.

The amount was sent to the various circle heads of the forest department. Salary of protection watchmen is Rs 700 per day. It has been stalled for months due to lack of funds. Watchmen in Kollam circle have not received salary for seven months and other circles it has been due for four months. Two months ago, the wildlife warden had suggested that the duty of the watchmen should be fixed to 15 days in a month. No such order has been issued.