New pay scale to be ready ahead of schedule, Commission tells CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasised the importance of introducing health insurance for government and semi-autonomous employees.

He pointed out that even a minor illness could lead to significant financial distress without coverage.

Professor Yunus also mentioned that models of this nature already exist in neighbouring countries.

This statement was made during a meeting at Jamuna, where the chairman of the National Pay Commission, former Finance Secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, who also heads the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, led a delegation to discuss proposed reforms with Professor Yunus on Sunday afternoon.

Professor Yunus instructed the Commission to ensure that the new framework is fair and in line with current circumstances.

Mr. Khan informed the Chief Adviser that the country is prepared to implement a new pay structure for government and semi-autonomous employees sooner than the initially planned six months.

He noted that wage growth over the past decade had not kept up with inflation and GDP expansion. The Commission is currently working on a comprehensive framework that includes a separate pay structure for specialised roles, adjustments based on income tax obligations, and the rationalisation of allowances such as housing, medical, and travel. Pension and retirement benefits are also under review to better reflect current realities.

Additionally, the Commission will propose measures to address inconsistencies in salary grades and increments, as well as rationalize cash and in-kind benefits related to telephones, cars, and mobile phones. Mr. Khan expressed confidence that the report would be submitted ahead of schedule, despite the original six-month timeline.

The National Pay Commission was established to revise pay, allowances, and benefits for employees in government, semi-autonomous bodies, state banks, financial institutions, approved universities, and state-owned enterprises.

This initiative represents the first comprehensive review of pay structures in these sectors in over a decade.

Present at the meeting were Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser's Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia, and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman.

The expedited timeline reflects a broader effort by the caretaker administration to modernize public-sector remuneration and reduce disparities, a crucial step in maintaining workforce morale and ensuring the effective delivery of public services.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com