ASGEA ‘dissatisfied’ with pay revision ‘style’

Assc threatens to start non-cooperation movement if proportionate raise in pay scale of all grades & ranks are not ascertained

SE Report

GANGTOK, October 9: Almost a month after the State Government announced increase in pay scales of government employees, the Central Executive Committee of All Sikkim Government Employees Association (ASGEA) today issued a press statement saying that there is a state wide dissatisfaction brewing from Grade 'C' & 'D' Government employees regarding the award of the Fourth Pay Commission of Sikkim.

The chairman of the association, Narsing Rai while listing out the root cause of the employees’ discontentment said that the pay of high level officers has been hiked by 3 to 3.22 times of the present scales whereas the pay of Grade 'C' & 'D' employees got a hike of only 2.5 times.

“High level officers are drawing 12.5 % of the pay as North East Special Duty Allowance and 25 % of North East Allowance, altogether 37.5 % in total, whereas Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Govt. employees were getting none of this allowances. Over & above it, the “Fourth State Pay Commission” had recommended 12.5 % as special duty allowance for us but the Committee of Secretaries dismissed this recommendation without giving any reason thereof,” Mr. Rai said in the press statement.

He added that the ratio between the lowest to highest pay scale had to decrease but instead it had increased from 1:6.2 to 1:7.2 as per the Constitution of India. “This inclination is not socialist but a bourgeoisie act,” the statement said.

To discuss over the issue, the Central Executive Committee of ASGEA had yesterday convened a review meeting with District Executive Committees of South District and West District in its head office. This meeting, it is informed made a conclusion that high level officers have not only misguided the government but have also tried to hoodwink the government with regard to recommendations of the Pay Commission pertaining to the Grade 'C' & 'D' employees.

“The recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission must be made public in toto,” the meeting demanded.

Meanwhile, the association has planned to seek appointment with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to place their representation before Diwali. The association as at the same time decided to start a non-cooperation movement if proportionate raise in pay scale of all grades & ranks are not ascertained.