7th Pay Commission – Employees Demand not just Pay Hike – Want the Arrears too

7th Pay Commission – Employees Demand not just Pay Hike – The employees fear that government may not pay arrears on HRA and Transport Allowance.

As we know central govt employees are not happy with the recommendations of 7th pay commission, the central government employees’ unions have called for not just close to 45 percent pay hike, they would also want the arrears too be paid in full from January 1.

As per the employees’ unions, the arrears of six months, if the 7th pay commission is implemented from Jan 1 as proposed, shall not amount to much if government does not release the arrears for the HRA and Transport allowances.

The 7th pay commission was set up under the philosophy of ‘pay commission without arrears’. The employees fear that government may not pay arrears on HRA and Transport Allowance.

The Union contend that “government servants are not responsible for the delay” in the 7th pay commission’s implementation, and government must pay the arrears on all accounts from the date of implementation.

Notably, the recommendations of 6th Pay Commission were implemented and revised salaries given only with effect from January 1, 2006. But the allowances were given  only from September 1, 2008.

As per the 7th pay commission recommendations, the Central Government Employees minimum salary will rise to around Rs 18,000 from around Rs 7000, which the employees feel is too meager considering the aspect of price rise and modern day expenditures.

Source: PTI

Govt likely to implement 7th Pay Commission award around September-October

New Delhi: The Central government employees will have to wait till September-October to get higher salaries under the 7th Pay Commission.

As per a Financial Express report, government is expecting that higher salaries released around the festival period starting with Durga Puja and Diwali will boost consumption, which will have a multiplier effect on the economy. 

Though the employees will get arrears with retrospective effect from January 1, no retrospective arrears in allowances will be given. With the move, the exchequer would be able to save around Rs 11,000 crore. 

The commission had estimated the additional outgo in FY17 due to its award at R73,650 crore.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com

Is it true that BSNL is going to provide 20 GB 3G internet service for Rs.50?

BSNL, India’s biggest telecommunication company, made headlines when news surfaced that it is going to introduce 20 GB 3G internet service for as low as Rs.50.

For the past two days, this has been one of the hottest topics of discussion and much searched-for phrase on the internet.

So, how true is this news?

Despite our best efforts, there is no clarity on this issue. There has been no circular or advertisement either from the government or from the BSNL regarding this.

It is not just the internet, but the social media too that is discussing this news. Here is a summary of the news item:

    “In order to provide superfast browsing experience to smartphone users, telecom service providers are now providing 3G and 4G internet services. Meanwhile, news has surfaced that BSNL is planning to offer 20 GB 3G internet for as low as Rs.50. BSNL is going to provide the 3g services at such rock-bottom prices as part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative to make the internet accessible to all. The scheme will be launched with government subsidiary. The service can be used by just one person or be shared among four.

    In the rural areas, one person in the family can obtain this service and share it with four others. According to information, the BSNL Allahabad General Manager, Ram Shubh Yadav had announced that those interested in availing this service should register themselves at the BSNL Selfcare website. The announcement or the news has not yet been confirmed or verified by the BSNL authorities.

    Currently, leading mobile telecom companies charge anything between Rs.160 to Rs.250 per GB of 3G internet. If BSNL provides 20 times the GB in less than one-fourth the cost, it will tremendously increase the company’s user base. At the same time, it also raises questions if such a move will be valid according to TRAI regulations.”