3.5 Lakh Govt Workers In Kerala Facing Salary Delays

For the first time in state history, Kerala’s government employees' salaries have been postponed. Despite the finance department's assurances that salaries will be released, it appears impracticable to keep this promise for the large number of employees awaiting payment.

Initially attributed to technical concerns on the first day of the delay, when the finance minister indicated that money was blocked in their movement from the Treasury to bank accounts, no specific hurdles were identified. Experts refer to the state's serious financial difficulties as the root cause.

With 3.5 lakh government employees expecting payment within the first three working days. There is suspicion that only those scheduled for the first working day will be paid, while others may receive fixed withdrawals or monthly payments, perhaps extending salary disbursement until the 12th of each month.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and ministers were paid on time on the first of the month, prompting investigation. The Finance Department justifies the gap by pointing out that officials use treasury savings bank accounts, as opposed to Employees Treasury Savings Bank (ETSB) accounts. Employees claim that their accounts have been suspended due to a lack of funds.