Proposal to Set Minimum Medical Allowance at Tk 5,000 for Government Employees

The Bangladesh Class III Government Employees Association has proposed increasing the medical allowance for government employees to a minimum of Tk 5,000, citing the inadequacy of the current allowance. Additionally, the association has suggested introducing a health card system to provide free treatment at all government hospitals for low-income employees. These proposals were submitted by a delegation from the association during a meeting with the Pay Commission at the Secretariat on Thursday (23 October).

The association also demanded that the current festival allowance be raised to a minimum of 50% of the salary, as it is deemed insufficient. They further proposed increasing the tiffin allowance to Tk 5,000 and the transport allowance to Tk 3,500, along with providing a deputation allowance for employees at training institutions.

Highlighting the need for additional risk allowances for high-risk jobs, the association called for salary increments every five years to align with the rising cost of living and the provision of 100% pension benefits.

Other proposals by the association include:

• Setting a pension of Tk 5,000 for pensioners below 65 years and Tk 10,000 for those above 65 years.
• Increasing pensions annually at a fixed rate to account for the rising cost of living.
• Raising the current gratuity rate to 300.
• Determining employee efficiency and accountability based on integrity, competence, innovation, service quality, and punctuality.
• Setting a reasonable minimum salary, as low pay is considered a cause of corruption.
• Ensuring good governance through integrity, internal controls, transparent promotion policies, strict punishment for proven offenses, performance efficiency, digital financial management, ethical training, mandatory asset declarations, and establishing vigilance teams.
• Prioritizing seniority in promotions.
• Providing recreational leave benefits every two years.
• Introducing a rationing system.
• Offering overtime allowances for low-income employees.

Above all, the association urged the formulation of a modern, equitable, and humane salary structure aligned with the cost of living to meet contemporary needs.