5 decisions on implementation of pay scale, allowance may decrease

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News Desk: Preparations for implementing the long-awaited Ninth National Pay Scale for government officials and employees have reached the final stage. At a recent meeting of the Secretaries' Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani at the Secretariat, several important policy and strategic decisions were taken regarding the implementation of the new pay structure.

According to sources, the meeting adopted five key decisions. The government is also considering increasing the basic salary and restructuring various allowances. Although the new pay scale was initially planned to be implemented in three phases, the government has decided in principle to implement it in two phases following demands from government employees.

Under the proposed plan, employees in Grades 10 to 20 are expected to receive a 60 percent salary increase in the first phase. Meanwhile, officials in Grades 1 to 9 are planned to receive a 40 percent salary increase in the first phase.

In addition, the government is preparing a special roadmap to eliminate the long-standing grade-based disparities among employees in Grades 11 to 20. Along with increasing the basic salary, the meeting also emphasized significantly raising house rent and medical allowances in line with current market conditions.

To avoid any legal or technical complications after the announcement of the new pay scale, the government is moving ahead quickly with the necessary legal review and amendments to relevant regulations. Preparations are also underway to make the salary fixation process fully digital and automated.

The government is working to implement the new pay scale from 1 July. However, due to legal procedures and administrative preparations, government officials and employees may have to wait another two to three months before receiving the increased salaries. Even so, the new pay structure will be considered effective from 1 July, and the additional amount will be paid later as arrears. Although the pay scale was originally planned to be implemented in three phases, the decision has now been changed to two phases in response to employees' demands.

However, once the salary increase takes effect, the government's additional expenditure will rise significantly. As a result, the government is planning to adjust or restructure several allowances to help control costs. The house rent allowance has become one of the most discussed issues.

At present, government officials and employees receive a house rent allowance ranging from 45 to 70 percent of their basic salary, depending on their workplace and location. Since the new pay scale will significantly increase the basic salary, maintaining the current house rent allowance rates would substantially increase government expenditure. Therefore, a proposal is being considered to reduce the house rent allowance to a more reasonable level.

Changes may also be made to the medical allowance. Currently, government officials and employees of all grades receive a fixed monthly medical allowance of Tk 1,500. Under the new structure, discussions are underway to either revise the allowance amount or set a maximum limit.

The education assistance allowance for government employees is also under review. At present, the allowance is provided for up to two children. The government is considering introducing a maximum limit or changing the existing allowance structure.

Sources further said that discussions were also held on adjusting transport allowances, vehicle maintenance allowances, and several other benefits. In addition, the government is considering abolishing some outdated or rarely used allowances.