A significant shock has emerged for employees in Madhya Pradesh, particularly for those in the Forest Department. The state’s Finance Department has decided to deduct salaries, labeling additional amounts given to forest guards between 2006 and 2014 as improper. Under this decision, deductions ranging from ₹1.50 lakh to ₹5 lakh will be made from employees’ salaries each month, along with an interest rate of 12%.
Why is the Recovery Happening?
- Salary Band: Between 2006 and 2014, employees received an excess payment of ₹480 per month. The Finance Department has deemed this incorrect and has now ordered recovery.
- Total Recovery: Approximately ₹162 crore will be recovered from 6,592 forest guards across the state.
- Finance Department’s Argument: They argue that the ₹5,680 salary band was applied improperly, and therefore, the amount is being reclaimed.
Employee Opposition
- Protests: The Madhya Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Protection Employees Union has opposed this decision and submitted a memorandum. The union claims that this recovery is unjustified and that incorrect arguments are being made against employees.
- Preparation to Approach High Court: The union has indicated plans to challenge this matter in the High Court.
- Dispute Over Salary Band: Employees maintain that the salary band was implemented according to the Finance Department’s older orders and is now being wrongfully reclaimed.
What’s Next?
- The employee union is demanding a halt to the recovery orders.
- The Finance Department is maintaining a firm stance and is preparing to initiate the recovery process.
- Due to this dispute, thousands of employees in Madhya Pradesh will face significant salary deductions in the coming times.
This situation has become a cause for concern among forest guards and other government employees.
