Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Karnataka 108 Ambulance Staff Threaten Mass Resignations Over Demands
Workers for Karnataka’s free 108 ambulance service say they have serious problems at work.
They want fair salaries that are reviewed every year.
They also want salaries paid on time, better shifts, and places to rest.
They want families of workers who die in accidents to receive ₹50 lakh.
More than 3,500 staff have reportedly threatened to resign from September 20 if their demands are not addressed.
BJP leader R. Ashoka blamed the state government for not solving the dispute.
Health Minister U.T. Khader said the private company running the service should discuss the workers’ concerns.
He said the government can intervene if promised salaries are not paid.
He also warned that protests must not stop patients from receiving emergency help.
More than 3,500 Karnataka 108 ambulance staff reportedly threatened mass resignations from September 20.
The workers seek uniform and reviewed salaries, timely payments, revised shifts, rest rooms and ₹50 lakh death compensation.
BJP leader R. Ashoka accused the government of ignoring grievances and warned it would be responsible for service disruption.
Health Minister U.T. Khader said the private company managing the service is responsible for employment-related matters.
Khader warned that strict action would follow if protests disrupted care for patients or the public.
- Who
- More than 3,500 staff of Karnataka’s 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance service, BJP leader R. Ashoka, Health Minister U.T. Khader and the private operating company.
- What
- Ambulance staff threatened mass resignations over pay, working hours, shifts, workplace facilities and compensation demands.
- When
- The staff reportedly threatened resignations from September 20 and gave the government 15 days to respond.
- Where
- Karnataka’s 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance network.
- Why
- The workers are seeking improved and uniform pay, timely salary payments, revised shifts, rest facilities and higher compensation for families of staff who die in accidents.
Ambulance Staff and BJP Criticism
Government and Operating Company
Responsibility for the dispute
Ambulance Staff and BJP Criticism
The staff are seeking government action within 15 days, while R. Ashoka accused the state government of ignoring their grievances and said it would be responsible for any disruption.
Government and Operating Company
U.T. Khader said employment-related matters are the responsibility of the private company engaged to manage the service, not the government directly.
Pay and working conditions
Ambulance Staff and BJP Criticism
Workers seek uniform and seniority-based salaries, annual reviews, timely payments, revised shifts, rest rooms and ₹50 lakh compensation for families of staff who die in accidents. Ashoka also cited an alleged 45% cut in additional wages and 12-hour shifts.
Government and Operating Company
Khader said the government would intervene if the company failed to pay a salary promised in writing when workers were appointed, while the company remains accountable for contracted services.
Potential protest and service disruption
Ambulance Staff and BJP Criticism
The workers reportedly threatened mass resignations from September 20 if their demands are not met, and Ashoka warned that disruption could seriously affect patients and the public.
Government and Operating Company
Khader said workers could protest, but warned that strict action would be taken if patients or the public were affected.
- Service
- 108 Arogya Kavacha is Karnataka’s free ambulance service for medical, trauma and accident emergencies.
- Staff threat
- More than 3,500 staff reportedly threatened mass resignations from September 20.
- Ambulance fleet
- The network has approximately 711 to 715 ambulances.
- Pay demands
- Workers want annual salary reviews and hikes, uniform pay, seniority-based salaries and payment within seven days of each month.
- Working conditions
- Demands include three-shift deployment, changes to the existing shift system and rest rooms.
- Compensation demand
- Workers want families of ambulance personnel who die in accidents to receive ₹50 lakh.
- Government position
- U.T. Khader said the private operating company handles vehicles, salaries, training, cleanliness, uniforms and other facilities.
