Bommai govt hikes salaries of government employees by 17% amid strike

In an effort to appease the protesting Government Employees Association and restore public services, Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai, declared a temporary salary increase of 17 per cent on Wednesday.

Around 11,000 employees were to go on an indefinite strike starting today after the Bommai govt revealed the inadequacy of funds for their pay hikes. The employees were anticipating the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for salary revision, but Bommmai did not address this issue in his budget speech.

Despite the Government Employees Association’s decision to boycott work and demand salary revisions based on the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations and the withdrawal of the National Pension System, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, declared a temporary salary increase of 17 percent on Wednesday while government services were disrupted throughout the state.

As reported by Deccan Herald, Bommai stated that following discussions with the Association and the appointment of a 7th Pay Commission, an agreement has been reached. As an interim measure, a 17 percent salary increase will be granted to government employees, and orders to that effect are being issued.

He further announced the creation of a committee under the additional chief secretary to investigate the reinstatement of the old pension scheme, in response to the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The committee will be given two months to submit its findings.

The Association is not expected to end their protests unless written orders are issued, despite the promises made. “We have heard such assurances before, but we have made it clear that we will not accept verbal assurances. We are waiting for official orders, and we will respond accordingly once they are issued,” stated the Association.