Odisha govt orders salary deductions for employees defaulting on maintenance grant, alimony payments
Bhubaneswar, Aug 30
The Odisha government has decided to directly deduct court-ordered maintenance grant or alimony from the salaries of male government employees who fail to pay their wives or children despite judicial directions.
According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Sunday, CM Majhi has taken strong note of the issue following the receipt of around two to three complaints during each state-level grievance hearing involving women and children deprived of maintenance grant or alimony by government employees.
As per the government, several male employees have failed to provide maintenance to their wives or children despite clear orders from various courts.
Similar complaints have also been received regarding non-payment of alimony in divorce-related cases. Taking note of the issue, the Chief Minister has directed that the amount ordered by the court be deducted directly from the salary of the concerned employee and transferred electronically to the bank account of the wife or children entitled to maintenance.
"Being a government employee of the state, defying a court order, and subjecting one's wife and children to such injustice is completely unacceptable to the state government," said the Chief Minister.
Under the new guidelines issued by the state government following the Chief Minister's direction, the departmental Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) will be responsible for making the deduction.
Once a court order directing payment of maintenance is received, the DDO will deduct the amount specified by the court while preparing the concerned employee's monthly salary bill and electronically deposit it into the designated bank accounts of his wife and children.
The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to integrate court-directed maintenance-related matters into the Human Resources Management System (HRMS). The move is aimed at making the process more systematic and automated and ensuring timely compliance with judicial orders.
The new mechanism is expected to provide relief to women and children who face difficulties in receiving maintenance despite court orders.
It will also ensure that government employees comply with judicial directions regarding maintenance and alimony.
— IANS
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