THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has announced that the state government will declare the highly anticipated salary and pension revision immediately following the conclusion of the upcoming local body elections.
The announcement, made during a recent media interview, has immediately drawn sharp criticism from opposition service organizations, who have dismissed the promise as mere “election rhetoric” intended solely to placate disgruntled government employees and pensioners just days before the polling date.
The 12th Pay Revision, which was originally due on July 1, 2024, remains unimplemented. Critics point out that despite the delay of over 16 months, the government has not even appointed a Pay Commission to initiate the process, leading to widespread protests across the state service sector.
Deep Crisis Over Arrears
The controversy comes amid a deepening fiscal crisis concerning employee dues. Kerala currently holds the dubious distinction of being the only state in the country that has not cleared declared Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears, which currently stand at 14%.
Furthermore, service organizations estimate the total outstanding benefits due to employees and pensioners to be approximately one lakh crore rupees. The government’s promise, made with the local body polls only four days away, is viewed as a desperate attempt to neutralize the growing opposition among a key voter base.
’Ploy’ Ahead of Term End
Opposition groups allege the promise is hollow, noting that the current government has only around four months remaining in its term. They argue that the complexity and financial commitment of implementing a full pay revision make it virtually impossible for the administration to deliver on the promise before its tenure expires.
”This is nothing but a ploy,” stated a spokesperson for a prominent opposition service association. “For sixteen months, there was complete silence, yet days before an election, the Finance Minister makes an unbacked commitment. Employees and pensioners will not be fooled by this last-minute electoral gimmick.” The situation is set to heighten the political temperature as the state heads into a crucial electoral battle.
