The Nabanirman Krushak Sangathan on Wednesday strongly opposed the State Government’s decision to pay salaries to employees as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations and termed the decision as a betrayal of farmers.

“The State Government has recently taken a loan of Rs  1,000 crore from the open market. When the State’s financial condition is very weak and farmers are awaiting a legitimate pension, how come that the Government decides to implement the 7th Pay Commission recommendations by putting a burden on the exchequer. It is like a betrayal to farmers,” said Sangathan State convenor Akshay Kumar at a Press meet here.

He wanted to know from which source the Government would fetch funds for creating infrastructural development and employment opportunities and giving pension to farmers when 90 per cent of its revenue is paid as salaries to employees. He alleged that teachers, lecturers, police personnel and doctors are not doing their duty properly as the Government is not making them accountable to their respective jobs.

Stating that economic condition of many States became very weak after implementation of 5th Pay and 6th Pay Commission recommendations, Kumar said, “Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and Swaminath Committee recommendations were made at one time. But it is disappointing that the Union Government implemented the first one and sidelined the second one. The BJD has implemented the 7th Pay Commission recommendations and the BJP has welcomed it. It indicates how caring the two parties to farmers and others.”

Kumar demanded that the State Government use IOCl funds and mines revenue for payment of Rs 21,600 crore towards pension to 36 lakh farmer families at the earliest.

Among others, Sangathan co-convenor Sheshadev Nanda and committee member Umakant Bharat were present.