Congress taps govt employees' frustration over pay hikes

Rushing to tap the discontent among the central government employees over the Seventh Pay Commission’s salary hike, the Congress on Thursday demanded a review of the decision.

Terming the overall 23.5% pay hike “lopsided and inadequate”, the Congress announced its support to the strike call given by various employee unions from July 11.

Senior AICC spokesman Ajay Maken accused the Narendra Modi government of planning to “prune” the strength of central government employees by deciding to withhold increments to those who fail to meet the benchmark for regular promotion within the first 20 years of service.

The AICC fielded Maken, the Delhi Congress president, to put across the party’s view on the government’s decision to implement the pay panel’s recommendations. A large number of central government employees reside in Delhi and Maken was keen to reach out to them as the Congress is hoping on the Election Commission to disqualify 21 AAP legislators for holding an office of profit. A disqualification will necessitate bypolls.

“It is unfortunate that the employees who were given 40% hike in their respective pay in the past by previous governments, had now been recommended only 14.27%. This is unjust and humiliating for the beneficiaries,” he told reporters.

Demand for pay parity with IAS

A confederation of officers of 20 civil services has asked the government to give equal pay and job-related opportunities enjoyed by those in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), DHNS reports from New delhi.

The Confederation of Civil Services Association (COCSA), comprising officers of IPS, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Forest Service and Indian Audit and Accounts Service among others, said they believe the government would accede to their demand.