As ministers step down, so do personel staff but not without guaranteed pension

Thiruvananthapuram: Following the resignation of two ministers after a tenure of two and a half years, an assurance has been made regarding pension provisions for their staff. After the Cabinet reshuffle, the 37 appointees of the former ministers' staff will now qualify for a lifetime pension, ranging from Rs 3450 to Rs 6000, along with additional benefits beyond the Dearness Allowance (DA).

Antony Raju had a staff of 21 individuals, 19 of whom were political appointees, including two private secretaries, four assistant private secretaries, one additional PA, one assistant, four clerks, four office assistants, two drivers, and one cook. Meanwhile, Ahamed Devarkovil's staff consisted of 25 members, with seven from government service on deputation and the rest as political appointees. 

Notably, two government officials serving as private secretaries will revert to their original roles. Even upon resigning from the minister's office, personal staff are entitled to 15 days of government salary. As per the 2021 order, those serving for two years and one day as personnel staff are entitled to a minimum pension equivalent to three years of service, starting at Rs 3450. Those who have completed two and a half years will receive this benefit. 

Additionally, an Additional Secretary (equivalent to an Under Secretary) will receive a Rs 5,500 pension after two and a half years, while a Private Secretary (equivalent to a Deputy Secretary) may receive up to Rs 6000. There's also a 7 percent Dearness Allowance applicable to all. Furthermore, a terminal surrender of two and a half months' full salary, along with gratuity and pension commutation, is provided.

Reports suggest potential changes in the staff of other existing ministers after two and a half years, aiming to replace staff members with guaranteed pensions with party members. Past conflicts between the government and the governor over this issue must be noted. Should changes occur in the personal staff of existing ministers, the governor is likely to raise concerns again, similar to the situation with the resigning ministers' staff.