VD Satheesan slams 'Jeevanandam' scheme; terms it liability for employees

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that ‘Jeevanandam’, the annuity scheme that deducts a fixed amount every month from the salary of government employees is nothing short of looting the pockets of employees. 

There was no consultation or discussions prior to the implementation of the scheme, the purpose of which still remains unclear, Satheesan said. Given the state’s financial situation, he also asked the government to clarify whether the plan is to withhold part of the salary in the name of the scheme as it is unable to pay the salary dues. 

“Most of the employees are struggling to make ends meet with their monthly salary. They will have many obligations like loan repayments, children’s education, medical expenses, etc. There are even those who find it difficult to contribute to the scheme. In this situation, the ‘Jeevanandam’ scheme is a liability for the employees,” Satheesan said. 

"Rs 500 per month is charged from the employees for the Medisep insurance policy which is of no benefit to the employees. 10 per cent contribution from the salary goes for the participatory pension scheme. Apart from this, the government has withheld an amount equal to 15 months' salary from the employees without offering benefits, including DA," he said. 

Satheesan emphasized that employees should have the freedom to choose how and where to invest their salary. While he acknowledged the government's role in encouraging investment, he firmly opposed any attempts to impose investment schemes forcibly. He stated, "The government can only invite interested employees to participate voluntarily in such schemes. Withholding salary amounts to non-payment, which is unlawful."