Central government employees have called for a strike on July 11 to protest against the 23.55 percent increase in salary in the 7th Pay Commission. Nearly 32 lakh government employees are expected to go on strike called by the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers.
The confederation convenor on June 25 had called for a strike from July 4 to 10, and a national-level strike on July 11, in a blog post.
Meanwhile, workers in Chennai conducted a sit-in on Wednesday, ANI reported.
The new payscale gives a 15 percent increase in basic salary and 23.55 percent overall increase. However, it was the lowest raise in 70 years. Members of the pay commission have explained the low raise due to lack of funds with the Centre. Although, the member had said that there was scope for a 18 to 20 percent increase.
Apart from civilian employees, the fresh pay scale was also criticised by defence employees.
Reactions also came in from the politial milieu against the pay commission.
Yogendra Yadav, former Aam Aadmi Party member, tweeted on Wednesday, "Now that 7th pay commission for govt employees implemented, when should we expect the 1st income commission for farmers?"
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference on Wednesday. He said, "Minimum pay of government employees was increased to Rs.18000 from existing Rs. 7000." He also said that rate of annual increment was retained at 3 percent.
The hike will be applicable from Jan. 1, 2016 and the hike will be paid in arrears, he added.
Chairman of the 7th Pay Commission, AK Mathur, on Wednesday said, "We have done away the great pay and given an open metric system, which will be very transparent and people will know where they stand."
