THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday lashed out at a section of teachers who burned the government order regarding the deduction of a portion of government employee's salary to raise the funds to overcome the current financial crisis. Citing various examples of students and others who have made generous contributions to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), he reminded that there is a large section of people who are struggling financially without jobs or wages.

According to the chief minister, the government employees have been asked to donate six days' salary for five months as the state is facing a severe financial crisis due to the lockdown. "Though many government employees have expressed their readiness the donate their salary, a minority is against it. These people even went on to burn the government order which can be seen as the worst form of protest. Though the government is not planning to take any action against these people, they must remember that there is a large number of people who are struggling without any jobs or wages." the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also added that the centre is satisfied with Kerala's efforts against COVID-19. During video conference between the union cabinet secretary and state chief secretaries, the preparations for returning expatriates were briefed. The union cabinet secretary said that other states can follow this model.