Thu Jan 09 17:29:43 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Government Faces Backlash Over Salary Disbursement Change
**Bengaluru, January 9, 2025** – The Karnataka state government’s decision to centralize salary disbursement for government employees has sparked widespread opposition. The new system, currently piloted in the Treasury Department, transfers authority from Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) at the taluk level to Controlling Officers (COs) at the district level. This move, announced in September, aims to improve budgetary control and reduce delays in salary payments.
However, DDOs across the state are vehemently protesting, fearing job redundancy and claiming the delays are due to funding shortages, not their inefficiency. They argue the change contradicts principles of administrative and financial decentralization, forcing employees to travel long distances for even minor issues.
A senior government official defended the decision, citing Section 80(b) of the Karnataka Financial Code and numerous complaints about delayed salary payments. The official highlighted the benefits of greater budgetary control and reduced paperwork. The DDOs, however, plan a statewide campaign against the change and have petitioned the Governor and Chief Minister to overturn the decision, threatening further agitation if the plan proceeds.
First Piper 