Plight of temporary photographers in PRD: Unpaid for one and a half years

Kozhikode: 70 photographers working in the Information and Public Relations Department (PRD) across the 14 districts of the state have not received their salaries for one and a half years. These individuals have been capturing important events attended by the Chief Minister, Ministers, and other dignitaries, bearing their own expenses in the process.

The videographers working under PRD have not been receiving their salaries for the past 10 months. The photographers and videographers bear the costs of fuel for their vehicles and cover other expenses out of their own pockets. The last time these photographers received payment was in January 2022, while videographers were paid in July 2022.

The lack of payment has plunged them into a severe financial crisis. Despite contacting the authorities, they have received no concrete solutions, except for assurances that the bill will be passed soon.

Each district employs around five temporary photographers, along with four to eight videographers, based on the requirements of the district. The current practice involves scheduling multiple events on the same day when ministers visit a district for an inauguration ceremony. Consequently, photographers are assigned two or three programs, leaving little room for other work opportunities.

According to the payment structure, photographers receive Rs 700 for the first program of the day and Rs 500 for subsequent programs. Previously, if an event was located beyond a 30 km radius, they would receive Rs 1,100, but this amount was reduced to Rs 700 in the new financial year. More than 100 temporary employees are now facing a dire situation, unable to even secure the meagre income of Rs 700, especially considering the escalating prices of petrol.
In March 2022, a new panel of photographers was selected for a one-year term, which expired in March 2023. However, due to a lack of special notification, the same panel continued its services. Most of the individuals selected in March 2022 were part of the previous panel. Considering the unpaid period, the pending salary calculation stretches back one and a half years.