NewsFlash Daily™
19 April
Massive delay in March salaries hits over 6.4 lakh Karnataka government employees, officials cite fund crunch and technical issues while denying diversion of funds to welfare schemes
Bengaluru: A major salary delay crisis has gripped Karnataka, leaving over 6.4 lakh state government employees in uncertainty as March salaries remain unpaid even after April 18, raising serious administrative and financial concerns.
Unprecedented Delay Triggers Statewide Concern
The payment of monthly salaries, which is typically processed in the first week of every month, has seen an unusual and prolonged delay this time. Employees across key departments such as revenue, education, police, animal husbandry, and information and public relations are among those severely affected.
While a section of employees reportedly received salaries between April 9 and 10, a significant number are still awaiting payments, intensifying anxiety among the workforce.
Treasury Officials Assure Resolution Amid Uncertainty
Officials from the treasury department have stated that efforts are underway to arrange necessary funds, and salary disbursement is expected by Monday. However, the continued uncertainty has left employees questioning the system’s efficiency and reliability.
Reasons Behind the Delay: Technical Glitches and Fund Constraints
Sources indicate that a combination of technical issues and shortage of funds has contributed to the delay in disbursing March salaries. Although minor delays of one to two weeks are common at the end of a financial year, officials admit that such an extended delay is rare and concerning.
Election Spending Allegations Add Political Angle
The issue has also taken a political turn, with allegations emerging that nearly ₹6,000 crore was released under the Grihalakshmi scheme ahead of the Davangere South and Bagalkot by-elections, potentially impacting salary payments. Critics claim that clearing three months of pending dues under the scheme may have strained the state’s financial resources.
“Salary funds have not been diverted to the Grihalakshmi scheme. The delay is primarily due to procedural lapses at the department level,” said Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Ritesh Kumar Singh.
Finance Department Rejects Allegations, Blames Administrative Delays
Dismissing the claims, Principal Secretary Ritesh Kumar Singh clarified that salary disbursement is the responsibility of respective department heads, and pointed out that delays by Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) in certain departments have contributed to the situation.
As lakhs of employees continue to wait, the crisis underscores systemic gaps in financial planning and administrative coordination, raising larger questions about governance and fiscal management in the state.
