The campaign was organised by the Karnataka State Joint Hostel Workers’ Association, with Lakshmi Chinnaguntapalli, a functionary of its Hubballi taluk unit, speaking on behalf of the participants.
Chinnaguntapalli said the statutory order revising the minimum wages for hostel staff had been in force since May 22, yet many workers continued to receive the older, lower rates. She alleged that a government sub‑committee had been set up to delay the implementation of the new wages.
According to the workers, the existing pay is insufficient to cover household expenses amid rising prices. They called for the revised wages to be paid immediately and for salaries to be disbursed on schedule each month.
In letters addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai as part of the campaign, the workers also demanded wage slips and statutory benefits such as Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) for all eligible staff.
The participants warned that if their demands are not met, they will organise further protests. Among those taking part were Shantavva Anjategari, Akkamahadevi Badiger, Anasavva Badiger and several other hostel employees.
The hostels are run by the Backward Classes Welfare and Social Welfare Departments as well as other government agencies, and the workers’ grievances highlight broader concerns about wage compliance and social security for low‑paid public‑sector employees in Karnataka.