Amidst a recent development, several IAS officers have requested the Kerala Government not to deduct their salary towards the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) until a collective decision is reached by all its association members. The president of the IAS association, Mr. B Ashok (1998-batch IAS officer), wrote to the principal secretary (finance) requesting that a salary deduction shouldn’t be made applicable for August until the decision is taken and conveyed.
As per reports, the association is expected to meet soon and chalk out a collective decision on the matter, soon. It is pertinent to mention that CM Pinarayi Vijayan had held talks with other employee organizations seeking a contribution from their salary towards CMDRF, the IAS association however was not consulted.
Some of the members of the IAS association have opined that instead of deducting salary and contributing to CMDRF, the association members could pool in money and hand over a lump sum amount to the government or to an agency like NDMA to be used for Wayanad. Meanwhile, many officers have given their consent for contributing five-day salaries towards CMDRF, as August 24th was the last day for informing consent to deduct their salary. Some officers have personally requested the state to not deduct their salaries.
What does the Govt order read?
In a detailed order from the finance department, the government said, “Though it is not mandatory to contribute, no one should keep off from contribution,” making it ambiguous about the consequences if an officer opts out.
Employees have been given multiple options to contribute their share to CMDRF and a ‘consent form’ has also been attached along with the order, in which employees should give their consent to the proposal. The willing employees can contribute their five-day salary from the payment towards the general provident fund, by surrendering their earned leave, or from their employee provident fund. Those contributing their five-day salary can do so in three instalments one-day salary in the first month and two-day salary in the next two months from August. The order further states that those willing to contribute their salary of more than five days can do so in five instalments.
The Vijayan government has opened a separate account in the treasury for this purpose. The Government’s salary challenge initiative towards CMDRF in the wake of Wayanad landslides is applicable for PSUs, boards and corporations, universities, grant-in-aid institutions, local bodies, commissions and tribunals besides direct govt employees. The state aims to raise at least Rs 500 crore through the salary challenge.
