Salary Discrepancy Due to Data Card Usage: Can My Friend Reclaim the Deducted Amount?

One of my friends received his salary for the month of April 2014, amounting to Rs 20,000/-. However, in his bank cheque, he received Rs 19,000/-. He did not notice this discrepancy and gave the cheque to a relative to deposit in the bank. In September, he realized there was a discrepancy. Upon speaking to his account personnel, he was informed that the deduction was due to excess usage of an internet data card provided by the employer. At the time of receiving the card, there was no mention of a usage limit. Thus, Rs 1,000/- was deducted from his salary.

Can He Reclaim the Deducted Amount?

Can he ask for the rest of the amount? Is there any time limit to reclaim his actual salary?

No, it is wrong. Actually, the amount mentioned in the payslip should be deposited into the bank account. If the management wants to deduct Rs.1000/- for excess internet usage, then it should be clearly mentioned in the deductions column. Reduce the amount to that extent, show the actual amount, and pay accordingly.

Employee Rights Regarding Payslip Discrepancies

The employee has every right to demand the amount stated in the payslip or request an authorized deduction slip. Failing to provide this, the employee can raise a dispute.

Regards,
Kamesh

Thank you for your response. If the employer wishes to display a specific amount on the salary slip, where should they include it? According to the salary slip format provided to my friend's office, the deductions column lists the following items:

1. PF
2. ESI
3. PWF
4. TDS

Could you please offer guidance on this matter?

Regards

Addressing Salary Discrepancy: Steps to Take

The salary discrepancy was in April, and you realized it in September? That's a very long time. You do not come under the Payment of Wages Act since your salary exceeds ₹18,000 per month. So, you have two ways of raising the problem. One is to go to HR and explain that there was a wrong deduction (which HR has already refuted). The other is to raise a dispute under the Industrial Dispute Act. If you have a grievance redressal committee, that would be the best forum. Also, check the standing orders (if applicable) for any rules that cover this particular case.

It is a difficult thing to fight at this stage, especially as you want to stay on in this company. The best option is to go to your manager and tell him that you think this is an unfair deduction as no one informed you either of the limit or of the deduction itself, and that the card was used for office work only. Perhaps he will speak to HR and get it corrected and refunded.