Thiruvananthapuram, 22 May (H.S.):

In a significant policy shift aimed at reforming the controversial pension system for ministers’ personal staff, the V.D. Satheesan-led Kerala government has decided to make a minimum of four years of service mandatory for pension eligibility. The move changes the existing norm under which personal staff members became eligible for pension benefits after serving for just two years.

Under the previous system, even those who had completed more than two years of service could have their tenure rounded off to three years for pension purposes. The new decision seeks to ensure that pension benefits are granted only to those who have served for nearly the entire tenure of a government.

The decision is expected to have a direct impact on ministers appointed under rotational arrangements within the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF). As per existing understandings within the alliance, leaders Anoop Jacob and Mani C. Kappan are expected to serve as ministers for two-and-a-half years each. Similarly, one IUML minister is also expected to step down midway through the term to accommodate Parakkal Abdulla under a party arrangement.

With the new rule, personal staff attached to such ministers may no longer qualify for pension benefits, potentially creating dissatisfaction among those affected.

Typically, nearly 400 individuals are politically appointed as personal staff members to ministers in Kerala. The earlier practice of replacing staff members after two years and appointing new individuals so that both sets became eligible for pension benefits is also likely to end.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has reportedly informed ministers about the proposed changes. However, the revised rules will not be implemented retrospectively. Those currently receiving pensions under the earlier criteria, including individuals with less than four years of service, will continue to receive benefits. At present, the minimum pension amount stands at ₹4,750.

The personal staff pension system in Kerala has long faced criticism, with concerns raised over individuals securing lifetime pensions at a relatively young age after serving only short periods. The Supreme Court and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had also previously criticised the practice.

The last Pay Revision Commission had recommended making four years of service mandatory for pension eligibility, but the previous government had not implemented the recommendation.

Kerala remains the only state where personal staff of the Chief Minister, ministers and the Chief Whip receive pension benefits. Comparatively, the Centre permits Cabinet ministers to appoint only 15 personal staff members, while in Kerala ministers can appoint up to 25 staff members, including 17 of their own choice.

The pension system for ministers’ staff was introduced by the K. Karunakaran government in 1994 and was given retrospective effect from 1982.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman