The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, protesting against what they termed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s neglect of an “unprecedented backlog” in pay revision and other benefits for government employees and pensioners.
The UDF’s demand to suspend the day’s proceedings for a detailed discussion was rejected by Speaker A.N. Shamseer. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal countered the allegations, calling them “politically motivated, misleading, and baseless.”
Ongoing Protests Amplify Tensions
The issue coincided with a strike by sections of employees’ and teachers’ organizations across Kerala, protesting the alleged denial of pay revisions, dearness allowance (DA), leave surrender, and other entitlements.
Government Promises Time-Bound Disbursal
Responding to the protests, Finance Minister Balagopal assured the Assembly that the government would disburse pending benefits within a stipulated timeline. He reiterated that commitments made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in July 2024 under a Rule 300 statement in the House would be honored.
“The UDF has a history of denying employee benefits,” Balagopal stated, adding that two pending DA arrears were issued this year, with two more scheduled for the next fiscal. He emphasized Kerala’s unique record in implementing pay revisions every five years and maintaining leave surrender benefits, distinguishing it from the Union government, which has reportedly left 10 lakh vacancies unfilled.
Opposition Criticism
The Opposition, however, accused the Finance Minister of evading the core issues. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that the government owed employees ₹35,000 crore in DA arrears, ₹24,500 crore in leave surrender benefits, and ₹5,500 crore in pay revision entitlements.
Satheesan further criticized the delay in constituting a new Pay Revision Commission despite the previous commission’s term ending in July 2024. “Had the commission been constituted on time, its recommendations would have been submitted by now,” he stated.
Congress MLA P.C. Vishnunadh, who moved the adjournment motion, accused the LDF government of withholding the leave surrender option for five years while recalling the CPI(M)’s vehement opposition to a similar measure during the A.K. Antony-led UDF government.
Other Grievances
The UDF also criticized the MEDISEP health insurance scheme, terming it ineffective for employees and pensioners in its current form. Opposition members accused the government of neglecting welfare measures, leading to a backlog estimated at ₹1 lakh crore, including withheld benefits and other entitlements such as service weightage in pay revision and house building allowances.
The walkout underscores the growing tensions between the ruling LDF and the UDF, with employee welfare emerging as a significant political flashpoint.
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