The Karnataka government, which is led by Basavaraj Bommai, has promised a 17 percent increase in basic pay as interim relief for the workers who have been calling for the state to adopt the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.
According to media reports, the government has also established a commission under the supervision of a second chief secretary to investigate the viability of switching back to the national pension system's old pension system.
The committee has been instructed by CM Bommai to research the changes made in other Indian States and present a report within two months.
Why are Karnataka Govt Employees on a Strike?
Starting on March 1, government workers in Karnataka went on an indefinite strike in protest of their varied demands. The protest would affect the majority of services, including OPD at government hospitals, BBMP offices, and tax offices. The govt employees are on a strike because of the following demands:
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the state's adoption of the seventh pay commission.
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adoption of the old pension system (OPS).
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implementing at least 40% of the facilities for fitting.
The execution of the 7th Pay Commission report, switching back to the Old Pension System, and implementing at least 40% of fitment facilities are the three main requests made by the workforce.
"Our top officials are in contact with the president of the government employees' union and are conducting discussions with them. The seventh pay commission, which we constituted and which will go into effect in 2023–2024, will be funded by the budget, as I have previously stated in the Assembly, Bommai told reporters in Hubballi earlier.
Prior to this, C S Shadakshari, president of the Karnataka State Government Workers' Association, had stated that all services, excluding emergency and vital services, including hospitals, would be impacted. Also, all services provided by "Mahanagara Palike" and "Pura Sabha," such as pourakarmika (civil servants) and several energy supply firms.
He said that "there is already an 8-month delay, we cannot wait further, and we don't know what will happen when the new government comes in, so the staff has opted to go on strike voluntarily," saying that revenue collection, schools, and pre-university exams will all be affected.
7th Pay Commission: Govt. to Hike Fitment Factor & Minimum Salary After Holi 2023
There will soon be good news for central government employees under the 7th pay commission who are anxiously awaiting the DA boost and release of arrears. Government personnel is also anticipating news regarding the increase in the fitting factor.
The central government's choices regarding all of the aforementioned elements will be made public soon. The basic pay for central government personnel would probably increase after Holi 2023 since the center may decide to decide on the impending fitment factor adjustment, according to media sources. According to the article, the minimum wage for central government employees would increase from Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 26,000 after the increase in the fitment factor.
Today, central government employees are paid based on a fitment factor of 2.57%; however, they are seeking that this factor be increased to 3.687% from 2.57%.
