THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala state government is grappling with a significant challenge from its employees and pensioners, who are intensifying protests just ahead of the local body elections next month and the crucial Assembly elections in April. The government’s decision to withhold an estimated ₹1 Lakh Crore in accumulated benefits and arrears has sparked widespread discontent, threatening to severely impact the ruling front’s electoral prospects.
Despite numerous protests over the withheld benefits—which include salary revision arrears, DA, and leave surrender amounts—the government had previously chosen to overlook the grievances. However, with two major elections looming within eight months, the sustained anger of the nearly 12 lakh employees and pensioners is now a serious concern. Reports indicate that alienating this massive voter base could adversely affect the election results.
In response to the government’s inaction, Opposition service organizations are stepping up their agitation. The Secretariat Action Council has announced a massive Legislative Assembly March (Niyamasabha March) on October 9 in Thiruvananthapuram. In a major boost to the protest, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to inaugurate the march. The unconditional support extended by the entire United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition to the employees and pensioners has put the ruling government on the defensive.
Key Demands of the October 9 March
The Secretariat Action Council is pressing for the immediate fulfillment of several critical demands:
- Immediate Implementation of Pay Revision: The long-pending salary revision arrears must be disbursed without further delay.
- Minimum Interim Relief of ₹5,000: Grant an immediate interim relief of at least ₹5,000 to mitigate current financial hardships.
- Disbursement of Withheld Arrears: Release of all accumulated financial benefits, including:
- Six instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears.
- Six years of Leave Surrender arrears.
- Pay Revision arrears.
- DA arrears pending from January 2020 onwards.
- Restore Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Withdraw the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and immediately reinstate the more secure Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- Revoke Promotional Bar on Union Leaders: Withdraw the administrative action to withhold the promotions of service organization leaders, which protestors view as an attempt to stifle democratic dissent.
- Implement MEDISEP with Government Share: Effectively implement the MEDISEP (Mediclaim Scheme) with the necessary government contribution.
- Protect Compassionate Appointment Rights: Safeguard the rights of compassionate appointments for dependents of deceased employees.
The October 9 Assembly March, fueled by these critical financial and policy demands, is expected to draw immense public attention in the state capital. This powerful movement poses a serious political challenge to the state government and is likely to generate significant political momentum in the coming days.
