Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday signed the ordinance that gives approval to the government to slash 20 per cent of the salary of its servants for five months. The ordinance was passed as the High Court of Kerala had stayed the decision to cut the salary of the government employees.
The state is struggling hard to meet its needs due to financial crisis in the midst of coronavirus pandemic outbreak. The ordinance was passed to overcome the high court verdict.
The Opposition had approached the court followed by which the HC stayed the order. The law will be applicable for all public sector jobs and institutions run with government assistance. The government thus estimates to save Rs 2,000 crore through this.
“It is sad that a big controversy was created over this. It should have been avoided at this juncture. Opposition also provoked employees’ outfits,” said state finance minister Thomas Issac welcoming the Governor’s decision and adding that it was a temporary arrangement.
Announcing the cabinet decision, Isaac had told media persons on Wednesday, “As per this ordinance, the state government has been empowered to defer 25% of the salary of government employees, in case of a disaster.”
He added that salary will be provided to police officers and health workers before others.
“All are undergoing a difficult situation. So it is natural that employees will also be a part of the process. We have deducted 30% salaries of ministers, MLAs, board chairmen and others for one year,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday.
