State Govt Employees Federation disillusioned with budget

"The 7th Pay Commission brought some relief, but it should have been approved in July 2022 itself"

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The All Karnataka State Government Employees Federation (AKSGEF) has expressed dissatisfaction over the 2023-23 budget estimation that was announced on Friday, calling it an anti-employee budget.

Despite the state government's revenue surplus, nothing seems to be done to address the urgent concerns of its employees. During the Covid-19 crisis, an 18-month gratuity which amounts to a total of Rs 4,500 crore was confiscated by the state and it is yet to be released to the employees' funds.

Jaikumar HS, President, AKSGEF said, “Over Rs 4,000 crore was taken from the employees. The government said they could not return earlier because of a financial setback after Covid-19. But now they can do it, Karnataka is one of the leading states with 30% GST collection.”

In addition to non-payment of 18-month gratuity, the federation claims that they are paid much less than their counterparts in other neighbouring states by 40- 50%. This condition is more severe for those hired on a contract-basis who has been receiving lesser pay than employees despite having worked for more than 10 years.

“The 7th Pay Commission brought some relief but it should have been approved in July 2022 itself. The delay in its approval has cost employees about Rs 15,000 crore,” he added They repeat their existing demands for immediate interim compensation of up to 25%, cancellation of NPS pension, restoration of the old pension scheme and filling up the 2.50 lakh vacancies.

Jaikumar informed us that in two-three days, a state-wide Employees Federation congregation including various departments would take place to discuss further steps to combat the anti-employees budget.