In a shocking revelation that exposes glaring gaps in the protection of Bihar's historical treasures, two security guards deployed at a government-protected heritage site in Chausa, Buxar district, have stated they have not received their salaries for the past ten months. This incident raises serious questions about the monitoring and management of outsourced security services at the state's archaeological and historical sites.
Guards Left in Financial Despair
The guards were appointed by the state's art and culture department through a private outsourcing agency. Their crucial duty involves safeguarding protected monuments and ongoing excavation sites. One of the guards, posted at the historic Chausa battlefield, disclosed that he joined his post in December 2024 and received payment only until February 2025. "After that, the agency stopped paying us completely," he alleged.
He detailed that the agreed monthly salary was Rs 10,000, with Rs 1,000 deducted as a provident fund contribution, leaving a take-home amount of Rs 9,000. "Even this basic amount has not been credited to us for nearly ten months," he added, painting a picture of severe financial neglect.
Festivals Marred by Non-Payment
The prolonged delay has inflicted severe hardship on the guards and their families. Another guard emotionally recounted how the salary crisis robbed them of celebrating major festivals. "We could not properly celebrate Diwali or Chhath due to the non-payment of our salaries," he said. This statement underscores the human cost of administrative and contractual failures, where essential workers are left struggling to meet basic needs while protecting the nation's heritage.
Systemic Issue Across Protected Sites
Sources indicate that the problem may not be isolated. Across Bihar, 56 protected sites under the jurisdiction of the art and culture department are secured by personnel hired through outsourcing agencies. An official linked to the security services provided a bureaucratic reason for the delay, stating, "The director said payments would be released only after a site inspection is conducted to verify whether the guards are performing their duties."
However, when contacted directly, Director of Archaeology, Art and Culture, Krishna Kumar Singh, shifted the onus, saying, "There is an issue between the department and the outsourcing agency leading to the delay. You better ask the department." This response highlights a lack of accountability and clear channels for grievance redressal, leaving the guards caught in the middle.
This case in Buxar acts as a stark warning. If the guards responsible for protecting invaluable heritage sites are themselves left vulnerable and unpaid, the entire security apparatus for these monuments is compromised. It calls for an urgent review of contracts, payment mechanisms, and oversight for outsourced services in Bihar's cultural sector.
