Telangana Govt brings ordinance to defer payment of salaries, pensions

The State government promulgated the Telangana Disaster and Public Health Emergency (Special Provisions) Ordinance 2020 to make special provisions for the deferment of payment of salaries, pensions and other dues in the event of disaster and public health emergency in the State. The ordinance was brought out in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, allowing the State government to defer payment of salaries, pensions and other payments.

Accordingly, the State government has been empowered to defer payments in part, due and payable to any person or institution. Similarly, it as been empowered to defer the pay to the government employees and pensioners and other persons (ready contract or outsourcing employees). 

The ordinance enables the government to defer payment of monthly pay, pension or



remuneration to the employee, pensioner or other persons to the extent not exceeding half (50 per cent) the total monthly payment during such period. Similar rules will be applicable to any institution owned or controlled or aided by the State government including schools and college teachers, local self government institutions, statutory bodies, universities, corporations, aided educational institutions and other such organisations.

Further, the ordinance mandates the government to pay the deferred amount within six months from the date of deferment. However, the State government may make amendments. The ordinance which was published in the State Gazette on Tuesday, will be introduced in the next session of the State Legislative Assembly and the Council for necessary approvals