THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All India Civil Service Officers (IAS, IPS, and IFS) serving in Kerala have received a major financial boost following a directive from the State Finance Department, but the move has instantly sparked a controversy over alleged double standards in financial policy.
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal approved a three percent increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for All India Service officers, revising the rate from the existing 55% to 58%, effective from July 1, 2025. This decision, conveyed through an official order (G.O.(P) No.127/2025/FIN dated October 23, 2025), is in line with the revised DA rates announced by the Central Government.
The arrears for the months of July, August, September, and October are sanctioned to be paid in cash. The hike also extends to retired All India Service officers, whose Dearness Relief (DR) has also been increased by three percent, with arrears also being disbursed in cash.
The Double Standard Controversy
However, the timely and cash disbursement of benefits to the elite bureaucratic class has ignited sharp criticism regarding the neglect of state government employees and pensioners.
State government employees and pensioners are currently due arrears equivalent to 18 percent of their Dearness Allowance. While the government regularly announces DA hikes for All India Service officers, often ensuring the arrears are paid promptly in cash, state employees and pensioners are consistently denied both the announced DA and the cumulative arrears.
Critics argue that the Finance Minister’s decision to immediately release the arrears in cash for one group, while ignoring the substantial and long-pending dues of the larger state workforce, highlights a stark ‘double standard’ in the state’s financial management and policy application. This disparity is likely to escalate existing tensions between the government and various service organizations representing state employees.
