Thiruvananthapuram: An order has been issued to cut the salary of ministers, MLAs and government employees for COVID-19 resistance activities. Finance Department Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh issued the order in this regard. Six days' payment will be cut from the monthly salary for five months from April to August.

Earlier, the state and central governments had made it clear that the COVID-9 outbreak has caused severe damage to the financial sector. Following this, the decision to cut a share from the salary of the people's representatives and employees was taken.

It is also noted in the order that this salary cut will not be applicable for those who receive a salary less than Rs 20,000 and those who already paid their one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Important points in the order:

1. Payment of six days will be kept aside from the monthly salary of the government employees and teachers (including aided sector).

2. The order is not applicable for the part-time casual sweepers, last grade employees, daily wage/temporary/staff receiving consolidated pay and contract staff who are paid a gross salary of upto Rs 20,000.

3. The order is applicable for staff of public sector companies, quasi government organisations, local bodies, statutory institutions, universities and other grant-in-aid institutions, welfare fund boards, commissions and other companies under the government.

4. The salary/wages/honorarium of the staff who do not receive payment directly from government should be deposited in a special treasury savings account.

5. The monthly gross salary/honorarium of ministers, MLAs, board members, representatives of local bodies and members of various commissions will be cut by 30 percent for one year.

6. The order is not applicable for those who already donated one month's salary to CMDRF after COVID-19 outbreak.

Though it was hinted that the amount cut will be refunded later as the financial condition improves, there is no mention of the same in the order issued.