Accountant General Exposes Double Benefits for Kerala Ministers Amid Fiscal Crisis
Synopsis
In a shocking revelation during Kerala's fiscal crisis, the Accountant General has uncovered that two state ministers have been illegally receiving both their full salaries and parliamentary pensions, prompting demands for recovery.
Key Takeaways
Double Benefits : Allegations against two Kerala ministers for receiving both salaries and pensions.
AG's Directive : Immediate recovery of excess amounts demanded.
Political Ramifications : Potential complications for election candidacy due to financial liabilities.
Legal Violations : Breach of the Salary and Pension Act by the ministers.
Call for Transparency : Highlighting the need for accountability in government finances.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 (NationPress) - As Kerala faces a significant fiscal crisis, the Accountant General (AG) has raised concerns over a major breach involving two state ministers accused of receiving “double benefits” contrary to established regulations.
The audit has revealed that Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh and Archaeology Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally have been collecting their full ministerial salaries alongside their parliamentary pensions.
In a directive issued on January 19 to the Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, the AG mandated the government to promptly assess the excess funds received and to reclaim them for the State treasury.
This issue, however, appears to have been kept under wraps in official channels, raising concerns about potential administrative failures.
According to the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, an individual who earns a ministerial salary must only receive the remainder after adjusting for the MP pension. Essentially, the pension amount should be deducted from the ministerial salary.
The AG’s inspection report (Part II B, Para IV) indicates that both ministers have purportedly breached this regulation by receiving both their pension and full salary concurrently.
The AG has also requested documents from the General Administration Department, including communications from the Rajya Sabha Pay and Accounts Office detailing the parliamentary pension due and the corresponding salary deductions required for ministers.
This development could potentially have political ramifications as well.
Candidates running in Assembly elections must present a non-liability certificate. If a financial obligation to the government is confirmed, it could complicate the process of obtaining the necessary certificate during nomination checks.
Both ministers have previously served in Parliament. Kadannappally, currently an MLA from Kannur, was elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating former Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar, while Rajesh represented Palakkad in the Lok Sabha before becoming MLA from Thrithala.
Point of View
This situation reveals critical issues of accountability and transparency within the Kerala government. The violation of regulations by public officials raises serious concerns about the integrity of governance and fiscal responsibility.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the Kerala ministers?
The allegations state that Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh and Archaeology Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally have been receiving both their full ministerial salaries and parliamentary pensions, which violates existing laws.
What action has the Accountant General taken?
The Accountant General has directed the government to calculate the excess amounts received by the ministers and recover those funds for the State treasury.
What could be the political implications of this issue?
If a financial liability is established, it may complicate the process for the ministers to obtain the necessary non-liability certificates required for Assembly election nominations.
What does the law say about ministerial salaries and pensions?
According to the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, a minister must only receive the balance of their salary after deducting their parliamentary pension.
How has this issue remained undisclosed?
The matter appears to have been overlooked within official circles, leading to questions about administrative oversight and accountability.
