7th pay commission: Why central government employees are unhappy

Although the 7th Pay Commission has benefitted central government employees as their pay packages have been revised according to the panel's report, they are still unhappy about the rate of hike effected. These recommendations of 7th Pay Commission were discussed by representatives of central government employees with government officials soon after the report was cleared for implementation.

The government officials expressed dissatisfaction regarding the minimum pay at the lowest levels that was set by the government at Rs 18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. The government has increased the minimum wage of the central government employees from Rs 7000 per month to Rs 18000 per month, under the revised pay package. This was not adequate according to employees to meet their rising needs and soaring inflation.

Also, central government employees were expecting arrears from July 2016 onwards but Union Cabinet rolled out the allowances from July 2017 onwards. 

Initially, central government employees had also raised their voice regarding allowances as well. On allowance front, the house rent allowance was cut, but staffers raised a demand to keep the existing HRA rates of 30%, 20% and 10% intact.

What has really upset the employees about the 7th pay commission is the fact that the fitment factor of 2.57 times, by which their salaries have been raised, is not enough, according to them. What they want is a salary hike by a fitment factor of 3.68 times. While promises have been made by authorities of looking at these demands favourably, nothing concrete has emerged on the ground. 

Since then, there is no other option for central government employees, but to wait and watch as to how events unfold from here on.