Responding to the protests from worker unions, the Kerala government has initiated the distribution of salaries and pensions for government employees.
While salaries are typically credited by the first of each month, this month experienced a delay. The payment delays put over 50 lakh people to inconvenience, as along with current employees, even pensioners and their dependents were suffering.
Attributed to technical issues in the accounts of the employee-treasury savings bank (e-TSB), the government assured that once that is rectified, money will automatically go to the respective individual accounts. The government also highlighted that those who directly receive their salaries from the treasury have received their dues, those who receive the salary in their bank account which is linked to the treasury account are unable to get their money.
Despite citing these technical challenges, various employee unions organised demonstrations in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, pointing fingers at the state government for financial mismanagement.
There were also rumours that the technical glitch has been planned with the intention of delaying payments so that funds can be conserved. Furthermore, the chief minister and other ministers have been accused of enjoying timely salary payments while government employees and pensioners as well have been suffering delays.
Finance minister KN Balagopal addressed the issue on Monday, 4 February, assuring reporters that the disbursement of salaries and pensions would be completed within the next two to three days.
