Govt employees, pensioners let down by CM's announcement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister’s announcement in the legislative assembly about paying DA/DR dues in two instalments in each financial year has not bode well with employees. The only consolation remains the agreement to complete the pension reform arrears of Rs 600 crore this financial year.

As much as 22 per cent of DA arrears needs to be paid in seven instalments. If paid in two instalments in every financial year, the DA dues will take three years to complete. The government has two years remaining in office. In one instalment, 2% of DA has been paid this year. Another 3% is to be paid this financial year and nobody knows when it is coming.

Those who expected a commission to be appointed for salary and pension reform were also disappointed. The Chief Minister did not utter a word in his 'Rule 300' speech about the salary revision due on July 1, 2024. Chief Secretary and Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister K M Abraham suggested the need for salary revision only once in 10 years. The government employees fear the chances of the government accepting this suggestion. Benefits worth 40000 crores to the employees and pensioners have been withheld.