Thrissur, 22 August (H.S.):Union Minister Suresh Gopi has transferred ₹32 lakh from his personal account to pay the pending salaries of Kudumbashree workers employed by the Tourism Department in Alappuzha, after learning that they had not received wages ahead of the Onam festival.

The minister instructed officials to distribute the money among the affected workers. He, however, clarified that the amount was being advanced as a loan and should be reimbursed once the department received the funds.

“I will deposit ₹32 lakh now. Pay them immediately, but the money must be refunded to me,” Suresh Gopi told officials. He stressed that the employees should receive their wages in time to celebrate Onam with their families.

The minister directed the authorities to clear four months of pending salaries and return the amount to him once government funds became available. During the interaction, he also questioned officials about the reason for the prolonged delay.

“If the Centre has not released the money, say so openly. Has Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to provide the funds?” he repeatedly asked, seeking clarity on whether the delay was linked to the Union government.

An official informed the minister that salaries covering the first one-and-a-half months had already been paid and that orders had been issued to release the remaining amount. However, the employees said workers across Kerala continued to face financial difficulties because of the salary arrears.

“We have not received our salaries for the past four or five months. Kudumbashree workers in all 14 districts are facing the same situation. We are going through severe hardship,” one of the employees said.

The workers expressed their gratitude to Suresh Gopi for intervening and providing financial assistance at a crucial time. His decision has brought immediate relief to the Alappuzha employees awaiting their wages during the festival season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman