The state government on Monday issued an order releasing salary arrears from December 2008 to June 2009 for the teaching and non-teaching staff of around 345 government-aided degree colleges in the state. Over Rs 78 crore has been released for the purpose. Teachers have welcomed the move but have demanded that government should also release an order for payment of remaining arrears from January 2006 to November 2008 as provided in the revised pay scales.
Similar orders for payment of salary arrears from December 2008 to June 2009 have already been issued for state universities and government colleges. The burden on state exchequer would be around Rs 120 crore. However, this is only the 20% of the total arrears as University Grants Commission (UGC) will bear 80% of the expenses. The UGC had recommended payment of revised pay scales from January 2006 at par with the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission for the Central government employees. In higher education, UGC bears 80% of the expenditure and the state governments have to pay only 20% of the amount.
The order issued on Monday stated that the amount will be given to the degree colleges verifying their actual requirements. Director higher education, will ensure that the teachers and non-teaching staff availing the benefit are those who have been duly appointed on sanctioned posts. The colleges will have to provide the utilisation certificates by March 31, 2010. The grant has been released from the amount of around Rs 149 crore earmarked for the purpose in 2009-10 state annual budget. Sources said that government has also made provisions in 2010-11 annual budget for payment of arrears from January 2006.
