No review on decision of pay cut for govt employees, says Finance Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Finance Minister Thomas Isaac on Saturday said that government will not review the decision taken to cut six days’ pay every month of government employees from April to August.

This need not be seen as pay cut but keeping aside a part of their salary. In order to fight the COVID-19 situation, government is forced to take such measures, he added.

While responding on the question whether a decision was made on repaying the amount of salary cut, minister said that there is time for it until retirement of the employee.

“In April, the income of government was Rs 250 crore. When considering the Centre’s aid, it will amount to Rs 2000 crore. Rs 2500 crore is required for salary disbursal alone. For providing welfare pensions, separate funds have to be found. In reality, the aid given by Centre won’t even cover the salary expense,” Isaac said.

A clarity on the situation and crisis in Kerala will be obtained only after NRKs return. Hence any further decision on pay cut will be taken only after that. Those earning up to Rs 20,000 are not included in the pay cut scheme but many have informed of their willingness to contribute. Decision on it will also be taken later, the Minister added.

He also added that many suggestions and petitions are being received by the government regarding pay cut. However, there will be pay cut of six days every month for five months, he stated.

“At the Centre, government is reducing the salary. DA hike has been put on hold. Kerala has taken a different approach. Still teachers’ associations are protesting, which is unfortunate”.

The teachers are staying at home. There are thousands of daily wage workers who are not even receiving a single day's pay. In order to help them, the government is asking to keep aside their salary for the time being. Protesting against it, I wonder, what social responsibility these teachers will cultivate among the students. It is very strange that teachers’ associations are taking such a stand, he added.

Another question we are facing is that will these amount be deposited to the CMDRF. The employees are not donating, but government is keeping it aside. So how can it go in the relief fund? This will be spent for the poor, Minister further stated.

He also added that government decided against salary challenge due to non-cooperation from the Opposition.