How LDF Governments Always Upheld Five-Year Pay Revision Policy Unlike UDF Governments

Thiruvananthapuram: Records indicate that governments led by LDF have consistently taken firm positions to safeguard the interests of government employees. In contrast, UDF administrations are accused of failing to deliver on promises related to salary reforms, often compelling employees to resort to protests to secure their rights.

During the years when LDF governments were in power — 1968, 1988, 1997, and 2019 — salary revisions were implemented without employees having to initiate strikes. In each of these instances, comprehensive pay reforms were introduced, ensuring substantial benefits without employees losing any accrued entitlements.

The current LDF government has maintained this stance despite facing unprecedented challenges. Since assuming office in 2016, the administration has navigated severe crises, including devastating floods, torrential rains and landslides, the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed economic activity, and financial constraints attributed to reduced financial allocations from the central government. Despite these adversities, the government has maintained its commitment to protecting the rights and benefits of civil servants.

The second LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in 2021 gave special priority to implementing salary revision benefits even amid the COVID crisis. The Eleventh Pay Revision was implemented with effect from July 1, 2019, adhering to Kerala’s established five-year revision principle. While many services, including central government services, generally follow a ten-year revision cycle, Kerala has maintained a five-year cycle. The Twelfth Pay Revision is now being implemented in continuation of this policy.

LDF Governments and the Five-Year Pay Revision Policy

The five-year pay revision principle was formally announced by the Left government while approving the first pay revision in 1968. This policy went on to become a defining feature of salary reforms under LDF administrations.

In 1988, the LDF government appointed the Justice Chandrasekhara Menon Commission to examine pay revision. The revised scales were implemented with effect from July 1, 1988. Notably, this became the first pay revision in the state’s history to be implemented without any agitation or strike by employees. The reform provided higher increments proportionate to the merger of dearness allowance (DA), ensured improved pay scales for Class IV employees compared to central government scales, introduced the master scale system for the first time, and liberalized time-bound grade promotions.

On March 1, 1997, the LDF government restored and reaffirmed the five-year principle, implementing pay revision with enhanced benefits. The ninth pay revision was also carried out by the LDF government with effect from July 1, 2009.

During the tenure of the first government led by Pinarayi Vijayan, a salary revision order was issued with effect from July 1, 2019, even amid the severe economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent second Pinarayi Vijayan government ensured the full implementation of all benefits outlined in that order. Salary revision arrears were completely sanctioned, and pension revision arrears were disbursed in cash.

Despite financial constraints, the present government sanctioned the full DA. The DA was increased by 13 percent in two phases, making all pending installments available. With this revision, the total DA now stands at 35 percent.

The government has consistently maintained that DA payments and salary revisions in accordance with the five-year principle are the rightful entitlements of employees. According to the administration, these commitments have been honored in full.