Sixth Pay Commission Update

This a hot topic which is most talked about by all serving personnel and ESM. The Commission is itself a morale booster for the very reason that the economy is booming and everyone aspires a share in the pie. Should the salaries and perks of Government servants rise to levels of advanced nations or for that matter to scales in the Private Sector in India? The commission report is expected to be announced by 31 Mar 2008.

Economic Contribution
Government Servants are mostly non productive and contribute little to the National economy. The Armed Forces in peacetime contribute nothing except to train for war (assist in natural calamity/ IS duties). Well Armed Forces are vital and is a necessity to protect the National Borders and no one can estimate its economic value. Here too, in the peace time Defence Forces could have been better utilised for nation building- Infrastructure Development like the China Model or US Army Engineers who designed and built the biggest Colorado Dam in the world. The Defence Forces can take on a mega national infrastructure projects like linking all the rivers of India. The Border Roads Organisation is doing a magnificent job but no way comparable to Chinese Railways now at Roof of the the World.

Media Reports
From Media reports the pay scales of soldiers are likely to be enhanced substantially, to at least double the present pay scale. How is it going to satisfy all, that is a big question, and the IAS are capable of putting on the platter a magical solution. The pay scale of Chief Secretary is rumoured to be pegged at Rs 80,000 a month. Defence Minister AK Anthony has already announced and enforced some concessions to the Defence Forces.

Existing Perks
Let us examine the existing perks for serving officers and PBOR and attempt to quantify it on monthly basis.

Officers
Dwelling: Fully furnished house: Rs 15,000
Rations: Free rations home delivered: Rs 10,000
CSD Canteen: Approx Rs 5000 (savings on monthly purchases including car)
Driver/ Batman: Rs 5000
Services and facilities: From unit/ cantonments/ officers mess/ entertainment/ schooling/ library/ transport/: Rs 5000
LTC for self and family: Rs 1000 conservative estimate
Medical including family: Rs 1000 (free medicines)
Field Area allowances: Tax free ( not included )
(Additional perks for Generals not quantified)
Perks alone work out per Officer: Rs 45,000 (approx)

PBOR
Dwelling: Fully furnished house: Rs 5000
Rations and clothing: Free rations home delivered & clothing: Rs 10,000
Services and facilities: Rs 3000
LTC for self and family: Rs 500
Medical including family: Rs 500
Field area allowances: Not included
Total perks soldiers: Rs 18,000 (approx)

Service Pensioners
No substantial relief for pensioners. Periodic relief is already being given as DA depending on the cost of living Index. This will be merged to pension and a marginal increase of 20 to 25 percent is expected. The pensioners are already entitled to facilities of the CSD and ECHS.

New formulae for Serving Personnel
Double the present scale of pay and add the perks.
Double the existing number of Generals (equivalent rank AF and Navy).
Cadre review: Promotions and up gradation are an ongoing process. We have a new Command Theatre and one more cardinal point can be expected shortly to employ the additional General Officers. Bingo you have the pay scales up- scaled to Industry standard! Also you have doubled the promotional chances in the Army, Navy and Air Force by twofold. Can you expect more? The IAS have succeeded in down playing the status of the Armed Forces.