Govt. mulling extension of pay revision panel term: Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan

The government is mulling extending the term of the 12th Pay Revision Commission appointed for submitting recommendations for the pay revision of government employees, Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said. Responding to questions on the progress in the commission’s report and whether pay revision would be effected this year during Question Hour in the Assembly on Monday, the Chief Minister said since the three months allowed to the commission, chaired by former Chief Secretary V.P. Joy, had been completed, an extension was being considered for collection of data and smooth functioning of the commission.

Asked about the government’s intention to implement the pay revision, Mr. Satheesan said the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had set up the pay revision commission through a government order on February 23 when it should have been set up on July 1, 2024, and published its terms of reference on March 5, just before the Assembly elections. Till then, the LDF government had failed to appoint a commission.

The delay was deliberate, he alleged, adding that the previous LDF government was the only one since 1977 to have failed during its tenure to obtain the pay commission report and implement its recommendations. The United Democratic Front government would take a decision after examining the matter, Mr. Satheesan said. The Chief Minister said leave surrender had also been allowed till May 31.

On the Opposition allegation of only a few employees getting leave surrender, he said the government was examining the matter. Asked whether the UDF government would withdraw its order stopping leave surrender, Mr. Satheesan accused the LDF government of issuing orders postponing it multiple times since 2021. The LDF government had burdened the State with ₹36,057 crore in dearness allowance and dearness relief arrears. “Now, the LDF government is asking about leave surrender,” he said.

About payment of interim relief, the Chief Minister said the government’s financial burden had been indicated in its White Paper. “We have not said it will not be given. A decision can be taken only after examining the financial position of the government.”