Karnataka State pension reforms

Sir,

Karnataka has long been in the forefront in the field of education and development from the days of Wadiyars and Dewans. Social reforms were known all over the State. It’s but appropriate that the present administration is embarking on an all-inclusive development to reach the benefits to all sections of the community.

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has formed the pay committee to recommend revised scales of pay (including pension) to its employees and pensioners considering similar revisions made by the Centre and other State governments.

Many of the reforms made in this area by the Centre and other Governments have not reached the State in respect of its employees and pensioners. Many of the employees who have put in decades of service have retired without pension as they were on contract service, temporary or similar such names assigned to their service.

Regularisation of services of Pourakarmikas is a major laudable step in this direction. And the so-called guest lecturers and teachers form another group.

Thirty-three years of service for full pension is a legacy of the British Raj. This has been already changed to 20/10 years by the Central government. All these form part of social welfare expenses. Centre should bear part of these increases and the rest have to be met by public loans and taxes.

Reforms delayed in these areas is justice denied. Our Chief Minister, who has a long experience in social reforms, will settle all these issues promptly to the good of all.

– G.T. Sampathkumarachar, Tonachikoppal, 18.8.2017