Message from State CoC, Karnatak : Allowances and 16th March Strike

Comrades,
                   There are various reports on allowances in media , the fact remains that the Government has to issue revised allowances, as already nearly  one year has lapsed after the 7th CPC has submitted its report this orders will be issued during the month of March 2017, the  Committee on allowances headed by Shri Ashok Lavasa Finance Secretary  is set to  submit its report shortly to the Hon’ble Finance Minister, thereafter the cabinet note will be prepared for cabinet approval.  
           
The Government employees are deprived of allowances from 1st January  2016 as the 7th CPC had recommended the pay revision from 1st January  2016  The formation of the secretary panel itself as a delaying tactic, which helped the government save on additional costs towards allowances in FY17  to the extent of Rs.36,000 crore.

The Staff Side (JCM) representations to the Finance Secretary-led panel is providing HRA at 30%. 20% and 10% (as per 6th CPC) against the 7th Pay Commission recommended HRA at the rates from 24%, 16%, and 8 % recommended by CPC. HRA accounts for about 60% of the total allowances bill.

The Staff Side (JCM) representations to the secretaries’ panel is reviewing the commission’s recommendations pertaining to allowances including rationalisation of some 196 existing benefits. The pay panel has suggested the abolition of 52 benefits and merger of 36 with existing ones to end their separate identities. All these allowances are achieved by the Staff Side (JCM) through struggles.  So we should not lose any of the allowances.  

Comrades, the Government may even announce allowances for the Central Government by 15th March 2017 so that they want to scuttle the strike of 16th March 2017, but our demands on allowances is that it should be effective from 1st January 2016 and the rates of HRA shall be at previous 6th CPC rates, these revised allowances date of effect should be from 1st January 2016 and other allowances should be retained and their rates revised.

Regarding strike other issues such as revision of fitment formula, minimum wage, pension issues and NPS issues are at most important other than allowances.

So comrades, please don’t divert attention,   prepare for strike. Don’t be carried out by rumours.

Comradely yours,       

(P.S.Prasad)
General Secretary