Wayanad relief fund: Employees fume as Kerala govt blocks PF loans over salary challenge

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the Wayanad Mundakkai landslide disaster, a tussle has escalated between the government and its employees over the salary challenge aimed at raising funds for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The government seems to have taken a firm stance against employees who refuse to participate in the salary challenge. This apparent tightening of measures comes in response to the indifference shown by Opposition-affiliated service organisations.

A recent warning stated that employees who do not agree to the salary challenge will not be permitted to avail themselves of provident fund loans. The Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala (Spark) software, which manages all employee information, has been modified to effect this from Saturday. Additionally, a notice has been issued indicating that applications from employees who do not contribute to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund through the salary challenge will not be processed.

In response, a pro-Congress organisation has announced plans to take the protest route. The current policy requires a five-day salary deduction from employees under the salary challenge, but opposition groups are demanding the option to contribute a smaller amount. The opposition has decided to boycott the salary challenge due to the lack of flexibility in donation amounts.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Management in Government has issued a circular mandating salary deductions even without a signed consent letter. According to the circular, salaries will be withheld even if employees do not agree with the five-day deduction. The circular further states that failure to submit the consent letter within the specified timeframe will be considered as implicit consent.