Government employees wishing to donate one-month earnings towards the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) can now do so from their provident fund accounts. Kerala finance department has now included an option for employees in the government sector under non-refundable advances (NRA) to contribute to the relief fund.

Officials from the finance department have stated that this effort is being undertaken in order to make it easier for those who want to donate their one-month salary towards the relief efforts. According to reports, several employees wanted to contribute a part of their salary but were unable to give up an entire month’s salary at once.

“There were requests from employees who wanted to make one month’s contribution but were unable to donate their monthly income. The latest order will help them make NRA from the GPF and contribute to the CMDRF,” said an official to TNIE.

Some also claimed that employees who could not afford to give their one-month salary towards the relief efforts were being shamed and made to feel guilty. For those who are willing, this measure comes as a step in the right direction as they can do their part without having to compromise on their earnings for the month.

Earlier, a ‘salary challenge’ imposed by the government had asked employees to contribute their monthly income towards the CMDRF, which drew flak from those who felt that no one should be forced into contributing their hard-earned salary. Furthermore, while many wanted to contribute their income, some were unable to do so for a number of personal reasons.

According to reports, state government employees had the option of transferring the entire amount at once or in instalments. Pro-UDF outfits later raised concerns about the plight of employees, who would have difficulty managing their day-to-day expenses without their income.