90 Percent Salary Hike Buzz: Pay Commission Clarifies Position

Rumours have been circulating that government employees under various grades in the ninth national pay scale will receive a 90% salary increase, along with a reduction to 16 grades. However, the National Pay Commission has dismissed these claims as baseless gossip.

A source from the commission told The Daily Campus on Tuesday night: “The percentage of salary increase to be recommended in the ninth pay scale has not yet been finalised. Commission members have also not reached consensus on the number of grades. Once these key issues are settled, the commission will submit its recommendations.”

An unnamed commission member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Several important matters are still pending consensus among commission members, including salary increase percentage, number of grades, and maximum and minimum salary levels. Therefore, the information about 90% salary hike and 16 grades that is being spread is not correct.”

Full Commission Meeting Rescheduled

The commission has now finalised a new date for the postponed full commission meeting on the ninth pay scale. According to the latest decision, the meeting will be held on Thursday (8 January) at 12:00 pm in the commission’s meeting room at the Secretariat.

A commission member said: “The full commission meeting on the pay scale will take place on Thursday (8 January) at 12:00 pm. Decisions on the number of grades and other matters may be finalised during the meeting.”

Three Different Views on Grade Structure

Sources from the commission revealed that members are considering three different approaches regarding the number of salary grades. Currently, government employees are divided into 20 grades.

Many commission members believe it would be rational to retain the existing 20 grades while recommending a logical increase in salary and allowances. However, a significant section strongly opposes this view and argues that the number of grades should be reduced from 20 to 16.

Meanwhile, another group within the commission is advocating for further reduction to 14 grades, reasoning that a higher number of grades leads to greater salary disparity. They support lowering the grade count to minimise inequality.

Commission’s Current Status

It is learnt that the National Pay Commission has thoroughly analysed opinions and proposals received from various organisations, departments, and associations regarding the ninth pay scale. The drafting of the full report is almost complete. However, due to lack of consensus on certain key issues, the final recommendations are yet to be submitted.

The commission has stated that it is focusing on preparing realistic and practical recommendations for the ninth pay scale. All proposals received have been carefully reviewed and documented. Once members reach agreement on the pending matters, the final recommendations will be submitted.