SHILLONG: The state government has resorted to deferment of certain percentage of salary for its employees for April and May due to financial crisis over coronavirus.
In a statement on Tuesday, the government said that there will be deferment of 50 per cent in the gross salary in respect of chief minister, deputy chief minister, ministers, All India Services officers like IAS, IPS, IFS and Central Services officers on deputation to the state government.
The order comes on a day when the Kerala High Court stayed an order for salary cut for its employees, observing that it lacked legal backing.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the interim order valid for two months considering a batch of petitions filed by a section of state government employees and their organisations challenging the April 24 order for deducting one-month salary in five installments.
There will be deferment of 35 per cent in the gross salary of Group A and B officers (MPs, MCs, inspectors, deputy secretaries and others) and 25 per cent in respect of Group C staff (LDA, drivers and others) of all departments except all the officers and staff of the departments of Health and family Welfare and the Group C employees of Home (Police) and Home (Civil Defence and Home Guards).
The proportion of the deferment for Group A, B and C employees will also be applicable to all the institutions being provided grant-in-aid and salary by the state government except for group C employees of the Municipal Boards.
“No deferment shall be made in the salary of Group D employees (peons and others) and payment of pensions will not be affected”, the statement said.
The government assured that though the salary is deferred, the deductions will be paid back to the employees after the economic and fiscal situation improves.
The government has to manage its finances so as to deal with the COVID-19 situation.
The statement said the current situation is likely to cause reduction in revenues. The tax and non-tax revenue collected for April this year is less than last year and the tax devolution of Rs 76 crore for April was less than the budget estimates. Besides, there is likelihood that the size of the devolution in the coming months could be reduced.
April-May salary cut
CM, ministers & others: 50 per cent
Group A & B officials: 35 per cent
Group C employees: 25 per cent
Institutions receiving grant-in aid:
Deferment ranges from 35 per cent to 25 per cent
Excluded: Health & Family Welfare staff
Group C staff of Home (Police)
Civil Defence & Home Guards
Municipal Boards
All Group D employees