THRISSUR: Salary crisis repeats in Kalamandalam due to delay in receiving government grant. November and December salaries are outstanding. Salary has not been paid correctly for more than one year. Due to the financial crisis of the government, the annual grant, which was given in four instalments, has now been reduced to five instalments. It is reported that the PF and insurance amount deducted from the salary has not been paid.

Usually, when the problem worsens, the government provides an additional grant to solve the problem. The salary arrears of the last financial year were settled with the 12 crores thus obtained. With dancer Mallika Sarabhai replacing the governor as chancellor, the government said it would resolve the crisis through foreign sponsorship and so on, but that did not happen. When Mallika Sarabhai was appointed, the government said that there would be no additional cost. Mallika Sarabhai's demand for lakhs of salary became controversial.

Increase in employees, no increase in grants

In 2007, when Kalamandalam was made a de facto university, the grant was not increased even though the staff was increased, including in the UGC department. There was an increase from 111 employees to 259 including UGC employees and temporary employees. Grant is given on account of permanent employees.

The solution is to increase the grant and increase the revenue by increasing the number of programs presented outside Kalamandalam. Half of the revenue from the events goes to Kalamandalam and the rest goes to the artists.

Grant should be doubled

(2023-24)

7.75 crores in total

5.65 crore received

14 crore is required

Action to pay arrears has been expedited. One month's salary will be paid immediately.

Dr. Ananthakrishnan,

Vice Chancellor