THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the PSC recruitment has reduced by 60 percent, the chairman and members have demanded an increase of lakhs in salary. The government was asked to pay Rs 4 lakh to the chairman and Rs 3.75 lakh to the members. The finance department has not taken a decision on the issue. Currently, the salary of the chairman is 2.26 lakhs and that of the members is 2.23 lakhs.

They are demanding a pay hike when the number of PSC notifications and appointments from the rank lists is decreasing every year. DA at the central rate and allowances matching the members of the Central Judicial Commission are being demanded. Due to the financial crisis, the finance department is not ready to fully accept the demands.

Kerala has the highest number of PSC members in the country with 21 members. Presently PSC members are representatives of CPM, CPI, Kerala Congress (M) and NCP.

Increase of lakhs in pension also

At present the basic salary of the Chairman is Rs 76,000 and that of the members is Rs 70,000. The total salary of the chairman after adding allowances is 2.26 lakhs. A car and flat are also provided. If the increase comes, the basic pay will go up to 2.24 lakhs for the chairman and 2.19 lakhs for the members. After adding benefits it will be 4 lakhs for the chairman and 3.75 lakhs for the members. The pension will also increase - the chairman will get Rs 2.50 lakh and the members will get Rs 2.25 lakh. Currently, the Chairman's pension is 1.25 lakh and the members are getting 1.20 lakh.

4 crore additional liability

Presently the annual salary of the Chairman and members is 5.59 crores. 9.48 crores if the increase is approved.

Benefits of Chief Secretary

Chairman and members have all the benefits of Chief Secretary. Including free treatment for family members.

Job of PSC members

Monday - Commission sitting

Tuesday -12 Committees

Wednesday to Friday -Interview

Saturday- File checking

State - Number of Members

Kerala --------------------21

Tamil Nadu --------------- 14

Karnataka -----------------13

UPSC---------------------- 9

Appointment from Rank List

2016 --------- --37,530

2017 ---------- 35,911

2018 ------------28,025

2019 ------------35,422

2020 ------------25,914

2021 ------------26,724

2022 ------------22,393

2023 -------------15,144 (up to July)