Whats happening ARMED forces sixth pay commission News; On 28 Sep 2008 TOI reported that Govt sets up panel to review Defence forces pay hike; PM has done a good job by setting up a High Level Commission to review, as Armed forces refused new scales of pay until they are on a par with their civilian and paramilitary counterparts. That was because of united stand of the Army, Navy and Air Force.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was forced to constitute the new review committee even though he is away in the US. The committee, headed by external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, includes defence minister A K Antony and finance minister P Chidambaram. [sticky tag:original source at bolmamabol.com]
The committee will look into "anomalies" in the notification of new pay scales for the armed forces by the 6th Pay Commission. It is expected to submit its report by the end of October. Reports TOI
As an interim measure, the government has also announced ad hoc payment of arrears to all ranks. These range from Rs 25,000 for jawans to Rs 50,000 for subedar-majors. Lieutenants can expect Rs 55,000 and Lt-Generals Rs 2.25 lakh.
What is its Effect?
The effect of this review procedure is civilian government employees will get their new pay packages and arrears on October 1, and 13-lakh strong armed forces will not get; Not a good reason to cheer in Diwali.
What is Major Concern behind not accepting sixth pay commission by Armed forces?
It is "extant parity" of Lt-Colonel rank officers has been lowered by retaining them in Pay Band-3 (Rs 15,600-39,100), while raising similarly placed civilians and paramilitary officers to PB-4 (Rs 37,400-67,000).
Demand of Defense forces is renewing of parity in grade pay for lower and middle rung Service officers with their civilian counterparts, who are going to get more as per the new pay scales. Then, of course, the armed forces are also angry that all director-generals of police and their equivalents have been placed over Lt-Generals by the creation of a new "higher administrative grade-plus". And that's valid This is something that the Govt was bound to do. Set up a High Level Committee when things have already reached such a pass. Can we hold someone responsible for this situation. A situation where the Armed Forces are being victimized by the Bureaucrats and the Govt is not a healthy sign for a democracy. Lets us hope that the Govt would set things right immediately.

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