Doubts Linger Over Pay Scale Implementation Even After a Year

Doubts persist over whether the new pay scale for government employees will be implemented during the interim government's tenure, despite the Pay Commission's near-finalization of recommendations. Experts have raised concerns that even a year from now, the process may remain stalled amid political and economic pressures.

The Pay Commission members are in the final stages of finalizing the structure. On Sunday, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the decision on the new pay commission will be made by the next government. This contradiction with earlier assurances has sparked widespread unease among civil servants.

The interim government had previously indicated that the new scale would be rolled out early next year. However, with elections looming, the focus on polls, timelines, and implementation has shifted priorities, leaving the issue in limbo. Concerns also mount over funding, especially after the Education Ministry's recent backchannel on house rent allowances for teachers amid budget strains.

Public Administration Professor Mohammad Ainul Islam told The Daily Campus, "The government may strategically defer to the elected administration, saying the next one will implement it. With elections approaching, pressure will mount—discussions could drag until then."

He added, "The interim setup faces dual pressures: political demands and employee expectations. Cutting development budgets could fund it, but people resist compromising growth while seeking higher wages."

Dhaka University Economics Professor Dr. Muhammad Sahadat Hossain Siddiqui echoed, "It's reasonable for civil servants to demand a new scale after nine years since the 9th. Inflation has eroded purchasing power over four years."

He said, "The interim government promised to fix economic woes and deliver the scale. But with deficits rising and no clear funding, the adviser's statement signals deferral—proving failure on economic revival."

The commission, formed in October 2024, is analyzing proposals. Public Administration Ministry officials note the budget challenge: doubling salaries could add Tk 80,000 crore annually; 90% hike Tk 70,000–75,000 crore; 80% Tk 65,000–70,000 crore. The 2025–26 budget allocates Tk 84,684 crore for salaries (up Tk 2,000 crore from 2024–25's Tk 82,977 crore budgeted, Tk 70,000 crore spent).

Civil servants, who issued an April 15 ultimatum for December/January rollout, now plan internal discussions for action.