Kerala government will consider PSC’s demand to increase salary by Rs 2 lakh per month

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has agreed to consider the state Public Service Commission’s demand to increase the monthly salaries of the panel chairman and its members.

In a letter to the government, the Commission sought to revise the salary with retroactive effect from 2016. The Pinaayi Vijayan government revealed the details of the letter in the Assembly.

The CPS sought a review in line with changes to the salary structure introduced for State judicial officers. Including the president, the Commission currently has 19 members. Two more vacancies must be filled. Although no educational qualifications have been fixed, political candidates are generally nominated for office. No other state PSC has as many members on board. Higher pensions and family medical coverage are the job’s biggest attractions.

Currently, the president’s base salary is Rs 76,450 per month. The PSC wants it revised to Rs 2,24,100. Similarly, the basic pay of members should be revised to Rs 2,19,000 per month from Rs 70,290. The Commission also requested a rental subsidy of Rs 35,000 (from Rs 10,000) and a travel subsidy of Rs 10,000 (from Rs 5,000).

Currently, the president receives a monthly remuneration of Rs 2.26 lakh, while members receive Rs 2.23 lakh. If the revision is implemented, these monthly salaries could increase to Rs 3.5 lakh. It is also estimated that Rs 35 million will be needed to pay outstanding salaries.