Kerala University Employees' Federation Intensifies Legal Battle for DA Arrears
The Federation of All Kerala University Employees' Organisations has escalated its legal fight for the disbursement of dearness allowance (DA) arrears owed to government employees and teachers. In a significant move, the federation has filed an interlocutory application (IA) in the Kerala High Court, seeking an urgent directive to release at least one installment of these arrears before the March 31 deadline.
Background of the Petition
The federation had previously lodged a main petition highlighting the state government's failure to implement the normal revision of dearness allowance from 2021 onwards. According to the petitioners, during the period from 2021 to 2024, a total of eight installments of DA became due and payable to teachers and similarly placed government employees. This claim was bolstered by a statement from the Chief Minister in the assembly, who categorically acknowledged that eight installments of DA were indeed due to employees starting from 2021.
Government's Proposed Disbursement Plan
Subsequently, a government order dated February 6 outlined a plan to disburse the DA arrears in eight installments, commencing from the financial year 2026-27. However, this timeline has sparked controversy and legal action, as employees argue it delays their rightful compensation by several years.
Concerns Over PF Adjustments
The petitioners have raised serious concerns about the government's proposed mechanism for handling these arrears. They contend that recent information suggests the government plans to adjust the said arrears against the Provident Fund (PF) accounts of employees and teachers. This method, they argue, would effectively result in no immediate monetary disbursement, thereby defeating the very purpose of the dearness allowance.
The federation asserts that although termed as "disbursal," this adjustment mechanism deprives employees of the real and immediate benefit of the arrears. These arrears constitute a legitimate component of their salary for the period from 2021 to 2024, a point recently emphasized by the Supreme Court in related explanations.
Legal Proceedings and Expectations
The High Court is expected to consider the interlocutory application along with the main petition on Monday. The petitioners' case hinges on the argument that the delay and proposed PF adjustments violate employees' rights to timely compensation, as the DA is intended to offset inflation and cost-of-living increases.
This legal battle underscores broader issues of employee welfare and government accountability in Kerala, with potential implications for thousands of workers awaiting their due payments.
