State grapples with severe financial crisis; salaries and pensions halted for the first time in history

Thiruvananthapuram: For the first time in history, salaries and pensions of government employees have been suspended. Although the money reached the treasury account, it could not be withdrawn. The official explanation is that the reason for this is a technical glitch. There are around 5 lakh government employees in the state.

The disbursement from ETSB (Employee Treasury Savings Bank) through bank accounts was interrupted. Most of the employees who were due to be paid on the first working day did not receive their payment. The Director of Treasury informed that the reason for this delay was a technical fault.

The Secretariat Action Council protested against the delay in salary distribution. Only employees and pensioners who have ETSB accounts received their salary and pension.