Grant-in-aid institutions required to bear salary costs; Government not liable

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Department clarified that the salary and pension expenses of grant-in-aid institutions in the state are not the government’s responsibility. Chief Secretary A Jayathilak’s directive emphasizes that while financial support may be extended to these institutions through the state budget, it is purely for operational assistance and does not imply full financial responsibility.

The circular, which is to be referenced in ongoing court cases, highlights that grant-in-aid institutions such as the Sahitya Akademi and Jawahar Balabhavan, operating under departments like Industry, Health, Culture and Local Government are expected to sustain themselves through self-financed funds. It underscores that government aid should be seen as supportive rather than comprehensive financial backing.

In an effort to streamline court proceedings, the directive suggests that special applications be filed to exclude government officials from cases related to salary increments and arrears for employees in these grant-in-aid institutions. The government’s stance is reportedly influenced by the state’s ongoing financial constraints, drawing some criticism amid concerns that it may signal a retreat from traditional support levels. Importantly, the directive specifies that these changes do not apply to aided educational institutions, which operate under different terms.