Not sky-high, secretaries want realistic pay scale recommendations

Secretaries of various ministries and departments have urged the National Pay Commission to avoid "sky-high" proposals and instead frame a realistic and sustainable ninth pay scale that aligns with the country's economic capacity and rising cost of living.

The commission has recently held four rounds of meetings with more than 70 secretaries. In each session, 17 or more secretaries participated and shared their views.

A source close to the Pay Commission told The Daily Campus on Sunday (30 November) that after collecting online opinions and consulting nearly 250 employee organisations, the commission concluded its consultations by taking formal feedback from over 70 secretaries. Their opinions are being given serious consideration.

A commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "Gathering views from more than 70 secretaries was a challenging task. Since it is not possible to bring all of them together at once, the meetings were held in four phases. In each phase, 17 or more secretaries attended and provided valuable inputs. Those suggestions are now under review. The commission will submit its recommendations within the stipulated time."

When asked what kind of pay scale the secretaries proposed, the official replied: "Most secretaries advocated for a realistic structure. Some employee organisations demanded three to four times the current salary, but secretaries advised against such unrealistic hikes. They suggested the new scale should match the current inflation trend and also take into account the likely price rise over the next five to ten years. Above all, they emphasised that the government's financial capacity must be kept in mind."

After the first meeting with secretaries on 24 November, Pay Commission Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan told The Daily Campus: "The discussions were fruitful, though not all secretaries could attend. We will hold further talks with them." On the timeline for the report, he said: "We hope to submit the report soon after completing the consultations."

Sources within the commission said more than half the work has already been completed. Members and concerned officials are working at full pace, and the final recommendations may be submitted as early as next month. Special attention is being given to the minimum wage and restructuring of grades.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Secretariat Officers-Employees Joint Council President Badiul Kabir recently met Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. He expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying the chairman assured them that employee demands are being treated with utmost priority and that a report could be ready by 30 November or shortly thereafter.