Around 200 laborers who worked in the Drujipahad area of Banka district have not received their wages for the past four months. Angered by the non-payment, the workers reached the Forest Department office on Monday to present their problem to the officials and demand immediate payment. The laborers stated that they were employed through Bhola Yadav of Olhani village to work in Drujipahad for about four months. Despite completing the work, none of them have received their wages.

The workers claim that they have been visiting the Forest Department office for almost a year, but their issue remains unresolved. They have received repeated assurances, but no payment has been made, exacerbating their financial crisis. Many laborers mentioned that they depend on daily wages, and the lack of payment is making it difficult to support their families.

Forest Department officials acknowledged that the department currently lacks funds, which is why the payments are pending. Officials assured the workers that all outstanding wages would be paid as soon as funds become available. However, the laborers were not satisfied with this response and reiterated their demand for immediate payment. The workers have warned that if their wages are not paid, they will resort to agitation. The matter is escalating, and calls for swift administrative intervention are growing.