Yogi government withholds salaries of 2.4L employees: Here's why
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh government has withheld the August salaries of around 2.44 lakh state employees who failed to disclose their property details online, in a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. The directive was issued on August 17, requiring all state government employees to upload their property information, onto the Manav Sampada Portal by August 31. However, despite repeated reminders, 2,44,565 employees did not comply with this directive leading to a salary freeze.
Response
Mixed reactions to salary freeze
The government's decision to withhold pay has elicited mixed reactions from public servants in the state. Some departments, like Textiles, Soldier Welfare, Energy, Sports, Agriculture and Women Welfare displayed high compliance rates. However, others particularly those in the education sector failed to upload their necessary details on time. The Basic Education, Health, Industrial Development, Higher Education, and Revenue departments were identified as having the lowest compliance rates.
Disclosure
Compliance rate and government's stance
According to reports, only 71% of the workers working in different departments in the state uploaded this information. The order also applies to IAS, IPS, PCS, and PPS officers working in the state. The government has made it clear that withheld salaries will only be released once employees submit their property details.
Extension request
Police department seeks extension
The DGP headquarters has sent a letter to the Appointments Department, requesting an extension due to festival holidays, and ongoing police recruitment examinations. The government is considering this request, but it is unclear whether any exemptions will be granted. In UP, there are a total of 8,46,640 state government employees, out of which 6,02,075 have furnished their property details on the Manav Sampada portal till now.