New Delhi: The state employees of Karnataka will soon get higher salary. The Karnataka cabinet is set to implement the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. The salary hike will be effective from August 1, 2024. This decision is set to significantly impact over 7 lakh state government employees. As reported by news agency PTI, citing official sources, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, S Siddaramaiah is expected to make an official announcement regarding the salary hike during the upcoming Legislative Assembly session.
Ministerial Perspective on the 7th Pay Commission
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasised on the significance of the seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations. He highlighted that the decision to implement these recommendations was mentioned in the government’s manifesto and fulfills a longstanding demand of the people.
7th Pay Commission Recommendations
According to PTI, the 7th Pay Commission, chaired by former chief secretary K Sudhakar Rao, has proposed a substantial 27.5 per cent increase in the basic salary of government employees. This increase is projected to impose an additional annual burden of Rs 17,440.15 crore on the state exchequer.
Previous Salary Adjustments and Financial Considerations
Earlier in March 2023, the then chief minister Basavaraj Bommai had sanctioned an interim 17 per cent salary hike for employees. The current administration under Siddaramaiah is now considering an additional 10.5 per centage points hike, as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission, bringing the total increase to 27.5 per cent on the basic salary.
Why Government is increasing Salary?
The decision to implement the seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations comes amidst mounting pressure on the Siddaramaiah government. This pressure intensified following threats of an indefinite strike by the Karnataka State Government Employees Association in August.
KSRTC to hike Bus fare
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) recently proposed a Bus fare hike of up to 20 per cent. Under Shakti scheme, Karnataka government offers free bus travel for women. Citing substantial financial losses amounting to Rs 295 crore over the past three months, the KSRTC justified the fare adjustment. The corporation highlighted that the last fare revision occurred in 2019. He said adjusting rates is necessary to meet increased operational costs, including employee salaries and benefits.
Future Salary Revisions for KSRTC Employees
KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas noted that salary revisions for KSRTC employees were last conducted in 2020, with the next scheduled revision set for 2024. This aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain financial viability while addressing the welfare of KSRTC employees.
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Karnataka 7th Pay Commission order: The salary hike is expected to be effective from August 1, 2024. Economy Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
