18 Oct, 2014 2:03p.m.

Karnataka Pensioners Association president Shri Ramanatha Rao have informed that the 7th Pay Commission chairman clearly appeared to be in favour of the grant of Interim Relief but wanted a direction from the Government to consider grant of Interim Relief. He has written to the Prime Minister on the matter

Date:August 26, 2014.

To

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,

Government of India,

South Block, NEW DELHI 11001

Respected Hon’ble Prime Minister,

At the outset, we extend Good wishes to the Government. We are happy the 7th Central Pay Commission team came to Bangalore, and gave us an audience on August 24 to present our views on different subjects. Around 20 organisations representing different sections of serving employees and pensioners met the Commission, in groups. The interaction was very good. The Chairman and the members heard us all very well and gave convincing answers.

2. One subject of immediate interest is the Grant of Interim Relief. We stated that the very constitution of the Commission was as a sequel to the proposal of the Planning Commission about two/three years back. This meant that the Commission gives out its Recommendations within 2016, and thereupon the Govt could take its Decisions before 2016. This also meant particularly that the Government would not face a situation, as it did after the 6th CPC, wherein it had to pay out large sums to the serving staff and pensioners, which it did in two instalments, in 2008-09.

In this very background, to reduce payment of large sums in 2016, the concept of Interim Relief has been in place. A similar Pay Commission has recommended it in the past, and the Govt has accepted such a recommendation, in the interest of the serving and retired staff. The State Governments have sanctioned the Interim Relief along with the constitution of the Pay Commissions. If it could be stated, by 2016, when the Commission Recommendations come into force, some of the aged members may not be there. The Grant will also help the staff/pensioners face the rising food prices to some extent and the erosion in monetary value. The Interim Relief is thus justified.

3.When this position was projected to the Commission at Bangalore, on August 24, the Chairman gave us all an Impression that the Commission was in favour of the Interim Relief; but the Government should give them a specific reference on the subject. He added that the Commission would consider the reference in a month or two, and give out its Recommendation on Interim Relief. The Quantum of Interim Relief and the Date of effect are to be decided.

It should be admitted that this IR would not be calculated for the purpose of DR/DA/HRA/CCA or any such Allowance; and the amount paid thus would be adjustable in the payments that would befall in 2016, about 18 months hence. This Grant of Interim Relief would be Dasara/Deepavali Gift.

4. We. therefore, very sincerely Request the Government to make a very specific reference soon to the 7th CPC to consider the Grant of Interim Relief.

Respectful Regards and Namaskar,

Yours faithfully,

(Sd)

SS Ramanatha Rao