New Delhi, Jun 30 (IANS): Central government employees and pensioners on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Centre to give approval to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations with few raising concerns with regard to anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission.
"We are happy whatever the government decides. The approval to 7th Pay Commission recommendations will definitely be in the favour of central government employees. Even if certain decisions are not in the favour of doctors, we can't do anything about it. However, we welcome this decision," said A.K. Rai, medical superintendent, Safdarjung hospital, a central-government run hospital.
Abha Dev Habib, member, executive council of Delhi University, raised concerns with regard to anomalies in the 6th Pay Commission.
"The decision will help the teachers only if the anomalies of 6th Pay Commission are removed. Many teachers have suffered because of this as these anomalies were not addressed. The anomalies must be addressed through the pay review committee. New grade pays were created which were called academic grade pays. The question is how will they translate it into 7th Pay Commission? The parity with Group A services will be lost," she said.
"It is the stand of the teaching committee that the parity should be maintained which is also endorsed by the UGC, otherwise you'll not be able to attract talent in the teaching profession," she added.
S.B. Shashank, Special Vigilance Commissioner of Delhi government, welcomed the decision saying: "It was long awaited, glad that government has finally taken the decision to give its approval to 7th Pay Commission recommendations. We are hopeful to get a good deal. We hope it is going to bring a good increment in salaries of the central government employees."
The implementation of the pay panel report is also going to benefit the pensioners in a big way.
"As pensioner, we welcome the announcement of implementation of pay panel report. It will give financial stability at a time when there is immense price rise and other inflationary factors resulting in high expenditures including matters concerning health and travel," said Satyender Talukdar, a retired home ministry official.
The Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the proposals of the Seventh Pay Commission, which would benefit 47 lakh serving central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners.