'Salary challenge' sees govt employees divided

Thiruvananthapuram: The political shadow war that evolved from the government order regarding deduction of one month's salary from government employees pay towards the chief minister's distress relief fund following the floods last month, seems to intensify, let alone die down.

The employee organizations affiliated to the Opposition UDF have started a campaign across government establishments against 'compulsory' contribution of one month's salary. (United Teachers and Employees Federation-UTEF) one of the organizations opposing the government's deduction order, will conduct a campaign in offices and schools for three days during which they will also distribute forms for no-consent to the deduction.

Social media including WhatsApp groups related to the salary challenge, have been witnessing virulent campaigns for and against the salary challenge. The verbal fight in the open is feared to lead to physical clashes even in office premises, as tempers are found to run high on both sides.

The Convenor of UTEF, NK Benny told Madhyamam that all they are asking for is an opportunity to donate whatever each employee can and wishes to contributed. As of now, according to the government order, it is all or none.

On the other hand, even among the ranks of pro-ruling LDF organizations, there is reported to be difference of opinion, with one section conceding that there should be an option for giving what one wills, which can be less than a month's salary too. The response to this from the other side is a near satirical comment that such people can very well keep away from donating at all.