Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Just months ahead of state elections scheduled for this year, Karnataka’s Sixth Pay Commission recommended huge salary hikes to the tune of 30% for state government employees and pensioners. The recommendations will come into force from 1 July, 2017.

The proposal is expected to be approved by the Siddaramaiah government and will benefit 5.2 lakh employees, 5.73 lakh pensioners, and around 73,000 other employees of government-aided educational institutions, local bodies and non-teaching staff of state colleges and universities.

The Sixth Pay Commission, headed by former IAS officer Srinivasa Murthy, submitted its report to the Chief Minister and its recommendations will be tabled before the upcoming state cabinet meeting for approval soon. Its implementation will cost the state exchequer around Rs. 10,508 crore annually.

The Commission seeks pay scales for government employees to be between Rs. 17,000 and Rs. 1,50,600 along with other perks and allowances. Pensions payable to retired employees have been revised to range from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 73,300 per month. Monthly family pension will also increase up to Rs. 45,180 with dearness allowance.

These recommendations have cropped up just before Karnataka goes to polls later this year. As one of the only remaining large states under Congress rule, acceptance of these proposals by the Karnataka government will be seen as a big step towards preparation for elections.

By dhruv