From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 5: In a new year gift to the over 5 lakh state government employees, the HD Kumaraswamy-led JD(S)-Congress coalition regime has decided to increase allowances to the tune of Rs 400 crore annually.

The allowances amount was increased based on the sixth pay commission recommendations.

The allowances amount with regard to driver facility, assistant facility, transport allowances and location of posting facility has been increased for the government officials.

Krishna Byre Gowda

Briefing reporters in Vidhana Soudha after the State Cabinet meeting in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the state government had already accepted the major recommendations such as providing relief to 5.2 lac employees and 5.73 lac pensions.

The 6th pay commission has recommended 30% hike in salaries to government employees.

The report was submitted to the previous Congress government headed by Siddaramaiah, who is now the coordination committee chairman of the JD(S)-Congress coalition partners. The increased pay would cost the state Rs 10,500 crore per year, the minister said.

With increased holidays such as Jayanthi (birth anniversary) of various seers and political leaders, the Cabinet has decided to constitute a cabinet sub-committee to study the list of holidays.

The government had declared holidays for Tippu Jayanthi, Kanaka Jayanthi, Ambedkar Jayanthi, Basava Jayanthi, Mahaveer Jayanthi and this had caused inconveniences to the government functioning and the public.

To reduce the number of holidays, the committee has been constituted, the minister said.