THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The long-standing friction between the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) has once again reached a boiling point, presenting a significant administrative challenge for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government.
At the heart of the dispute is a notable salary disparity where entry-level KAS officers reportedly receive a higher basic pay than their IAS counterparts. According to reports, while an entry-level IAS officer starts with a basic salary of approximately ₹56,100, a KAS officer’s basic pay has been fixed significantly higher, around ₹81,800.
The Hierarchy Crisis
The IAS Association has raised formal concerns, arguing that this “inverted” pay structure undermines the traditional administrative hierarchy. Since KAS was designed as a “feeder service” to the IAS, senior officials argue it is illogical for a subordinate service to have a higher starting pay scale.
Government’s Stand
While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has championed the KAS as a way to professionalize state bureaucracy and provide opportunities for talented local youth, the IAS and IPS associations have labeled the pay fixation a “blunder.” Critics within the service suggest that such discrepancies could lead to coordination issues in district administrations and state departments where KAS officers might draw more than the superiors they report to.
Internal Friction
Recent meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary have seen heated exchanges, with IAS officers alleging that the KAS cadre is focused more on remuneration than on field duties. On the other hand, KAS supporters argue that the IAS officers receive higher central allowances and faster promotion cycles, which balances the lifetime earnings.
