THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala state government faces a looming financial crisis due to its recent decision to replace existing personal staff members of Ministers after their two-year tenure, offering them lifetime pensions, thereby adding significant expenses. The move by the Kerala government is seen as extravagant, as it increases state expenditure through pension provisions, deemed as favouritism.
By new policy, those serving as Personal Staffs for the 23 cabinet ranks, including the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, will receive lifetime pensions upon completing two years. Each of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, and Ministers has the authority to appoint up to 30 personal staff members, and after their two-year term, the government plans to appoint a fresh team.
Those completing the two-year tenure become eligible for a basic pension of Rs. 4,750, significantly impacting the state government’s finances, requiring approximately Rs. 73 lakh per month.
Most of the appointed personal staff members belong to the ruling party, are raising concerns about favouritism and misuse of government funds.
Salaries for Private Secretaries and Additional Private Secretaries to Ministers range from Rs. 1,78,000 to Rs. 1,60,000 monthly, while cooks earn between Rs. 23,000 and Rs. 50,200. Additionally, those with salaries exceeding Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 77,000 receive First Class train and air tickets, respectively, along with government accommodations, a 7% DA, and a 10% medical allowance, totaling approximately Rs. 40 crores for the state government.
Several BJP leaders criticised the Kerala state government for such practices. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan accused Ministers of rotating their staff every two years to ensure more party members qualify for pensions.
The resignations of Ministers Antony Raju and Ahamed Devarkovil have led to 36 personal staff members becoming eligible for lifetime pensions. Meanwhile, some Ministers have begun appointing new personal staff members from their party, while former staff members receive lifelong pensions.
Since the Leader of Opposition is also getting similar benefits, the opposition leaders have not opposed this extravagant move of the government.
However, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan strongly criticized this decision, citing its potential to exacerbate the state’s financial crisis. He vowed to address the issue of granting lifelong pensions to personal staff members, considering it fraudulent and a misuse of public funds.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government is facing criticism for its failure to disburse salaries for KSRTC employees and pensioners, funds for paddy farmers, and social security pensions.
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