Chandrasekhar writes to FM
over unpaid dues to Kerala's govt. employees
Union Minister and BJP candidate from
Thiruvananthapuram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote a letter to the Finance
Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue of delayed pension and salary to
the state government employees.
Against the backdrop of Kerala's
long-standing financial turmoil, Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged the Centre that
while giving funds or special funds to Kerala, a condition should be kept that
the salaries of the state employees and pensions be paid on time.
"Any funds to be given to Kerala in
the future should be released with a condition to the State Govt. that all the
dues to the employees, staff, and pensioners to be paid on time," wrote
Chandrasekhar.
As per reports, over 3.5 lakh government
employees were left unpaid in March 2024.
Training guns at the CPI (M) government,
Chandrashekhar stated that for several months, the salary of pensioners has not
been paid by the Kerala government.
"I have written a letter to Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman because over the last one month as I have travelled
around Tiruvandrum; one of the painful incidents that I got to experience is
that several pensioners meeting me were deeply financially vulnerable because
for several months their pensions have not been paid by Kerala
government," he said.
Chandrasekhar expressed deep concern
over the plight of KSRTC pensioners enduring months without receiving their
dues, underscoring the detrimental impact of such delays on retirees' welfare.
"When I went to campaign in the bus
stand, there were scores of KSRTC staff, all of these people are who have
either served or are serving the government of Kerala, they are serving the
people of Thiruvananthapuram and are not being paid salaries and
pensions," he added.
Chandrasekhar emphasized the dire
financial disorder in Kerala, stressing the urgent need to prioritize the
utilization of central funds for salaries, pensions, and other benefits owed to
government employees.
Citing observations from the Reserve
Bank and the Supreme Court, Chandrasekhar highlighted the urgency of addressing
Kerala's economic policies.
In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, Chandrashekhar wrote "Keralites are currently suffering due to
LDF's financial Mismanagement. This plight might go on in the coming months as
the state has not been able to find a steady solution, despite substantial financial
support provided by the centre over and above the 15th Finance Commission.
www.business-standard.com
dt. 24.04.2024