Jeevanandam scheme; KM Abraham expresses displeasure over Finance department's reluctance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Principal Secretary KM Abraham has expressed his displeasure to the Chief Minister over the Finance Department's reluctance to make the 'Jeevanandam' scheme mandatory after the employee unions intensified their protest. The reason is that the Finance Department has issued a press release stating that the scheme is not mandatory for all employees.

The project is Abraham's idea. It is indicated that the Chief Minister is with Abraham's position. The Chief Minister is also resentful of the press release. The scheme consists of deducting a fixed amount from the employee's salary every month and returning it with monthly interest after retirement. Through this, the government will get 6000 crores a year from the salaries of the employees at the rate of 500 crores per month. This is what was intended as a plan B for fundraising in the last budget.

Abraham is displeased that such a project has been backed away from when the state is going through a severe financial crisis. After the order was issued the other day, the employees came out with a strong protest. The ruling party organizations also did not support the project. Then the finance department tried to calm the atmosphere. Meanwhile, there is pressure on the finance department to revise the scheme.

While the service organizations intensified their protest, brochures were released in defense of the Jeevanandam scheme. It is circulating in WhatsApp groups of Secretariat officials. It is not clear who is behind this. It describes the scheme as free, transparent and fair. It also explains a stable income till death along with life cover.