Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has come under political criticism over its staffing pattern, salary expenditure and office rental costs. Allegations have been raised regarding the large number of contract employees engaged by the organisation and the expenditure incurred on their salaries and multiple rented offices in Thiruvananthapuram.
458 Contract Employees
According to the allegations, K-DISC was established during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government under the supervision of K.M. Abraham, who was also associated with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The criticism claims that Abraham subsequently became closely involved with K-DISC and was given extensive administrative powers.
One of the major points of contention is the alleged appointment of 458 contract employees at K-DISC. Critics have questioned whether such a large contractual workforce is justified and whether the organisation is delivering outcomes proportionate to the expenditure involved.
The allegations further claim that the organisation spends approximately ₹1.70 crore every month towards salaries of its contract employees.
The claims have also triggered political debate over whether K-DISC has become a platform for providing employment opportunities to people associated with the ruling establishment. P. Sarin is among those named in the allegations as having received employment through the organisation.
However, claims regarding political affiliation, recruitment practices and individual appointments would need to be verified against official appointment records and K-DISC’s recruitment documentation before being treated as established facts.
Senior Officials Drawing High Salaries
The salary structure of certain senior personnel has also become a major point of criticism.
According to the figures cited in the allegations, Padmakumar is reportedly paid ₹4.15 lakh per month, which is claimed to be higher than the monthly salary of the Kerala Chief Secretary.
Similarly, Executive Directors Sudeep and Riyas are alleged to receive ₹2.39 lakh each per month.
The monthly salary attributed to AGM Deepthi Mohan is reportedly ₹1.65 lakh.
The figures have raised questions about the remuneration structure followed by K-DISC and whether salaries at the organisation are proportionate to equivalent positions in the state government.
Five Rented Offices in Thiruvananthapuram
Another major issue highlighted by critics is the expenditure on rented office premises.
K-DISC employees are reportedly working from five rented office locations in Thiruvananthapuram. The total monthly rent cited in the allegations is approximately ₹13.55 lakh.
The properties and reported monthly rents are:
Office , Monthly Rent
Sopana Building, Vanchiyoor ₹68,000
Carmel Towers – Ground Floor ₹1.54 lakh
Carmel Towers – Fourth Floor ₹2.54 lakh
Trans Towers ₹2.18 lakh
Heather Smart Space ₹61,800
Innovation Tower – Five Floors ₹6 lakh
