THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports say the government is planning to shift the dearness allowance arrears to the relief fund instead of implementing salary challenge. It has been reported that Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac is in talks with various department heads as part of seeking alternatives for the salary challenge. A final decision will be taken after the cabinet meet.

The government has many proposals before them including freezing DA of employees and teachers. It will have to be paid later and so the expected result will not be obtained. That is why the government is considering the proposal to freeze the DA. There is now 12% DA arrears in three phases. 2700 crore is required for it. The opinion of the organisations affiliated to the ruling front is that it is better to hand over this amount to the chief minister’s relief fund instead of salary challenge.