Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner? asks A K Bhattacharya.
On Monday, around 5,000 nurses of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi went on a strike over their long pending demands, including those with regard to the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
As around 5,000 nurses went on strike from the afternoon hampering patient care services at the premier hospital, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria in a video message termed the strike in the time of pandemic as "inappropriate and unfortunate".
Central pay commissions in the past have usually been set up after every 10 years and the 10-year period of the current sixth central pay commission would be over by 2015.
"The amount of both the family pensions will now be restricted to Rs 1,25,000 per month, which is over two and half times higher than the earlier limit," said Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel.
After the top brass of the Armed Forces, it now appears to be the turn of scientists of the defence and nuclear establishments to express dissatisfaction over the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
The sixth central Pay Commission is examining the feasibility of introducing performance-linked salaries for government employees. The commission has constituted a study group headed by Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad Professor Biju Varkkey to develop a model on these lines.The study group has submitted interim reports and is expected to send its final report soon.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion, labour minister Oscar Fernandes, however, said there will be no amendment to the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 in the wake of Sixth Central Pay Commission as the two issues are not related. He said two committees, including one headed by a special secretary, have been set up to review the EPF scheme and ensure that it brings better benefits to the employees.
Officers of the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS) want their pay scales to be determined on the basis of prevailing market rates. However, they are not ready to give up the substantial perks they enjoy, like palatial bungalows in city centres, number of attendants, guards, drivers and other assorted facilities.
In a major New year bonanza for the armed forces, the Prime Minister's Office has informed the defence ministry that the armed forces personnel would henceforth have a separate pay commission, which is delinked from the civilian pay panel.
In a liberal proposal, the Sixth Central Pay Commission has recommended full pension benefit to government employees after 20 years of service, as against the existing 33 years. The hike in gratuity limit to Rs 10 lakh, exclusion of the earned leave encashed while in service from the overall limit, clubbing of earned leave and half-day pay leave for encashment and higher pension to octogenarians are the other liberal steps suggested by the commission.
How could India@75 improve law and order, courts, social, physical and soft infrastructure, efficient cities, e-governance, ease of doing business and other essential state functions by 2022, asks Shailesh Pathak.
Finance Commission has got new team who are committed to growth initiatives.
'Instead of joining us in celebrating the strikes, the MoD has stabbed us in the back,' says a top general.
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