University lecturers, who are calling for a pay hike, have condemned a circular that has given a considerable increase in the allowances paid to politically-appointed heads of state institutions.
Issued by finance secretary P.B. Jayasundara, the circular gives allowance increases to chairmen and directors of corporations, statutory boards, banks and companies in the state sector.
Effective from May 01, a chairman’s allowance goes up from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 90,000 and a director’s allowance to Rs. 70,000.
The allowance for attendance for board meetings too, has been raised to Rs. 10,000.
The government has cited various reasons to avoid responsibility, and even condemned the calls by university lecturers for an increase in their salaries.
