Pay revision for armed forces to be announced next week

Government may unfold a bonanza for the armed forces next week in determined steps to stem exodus of officer cadres as well as give recognition to the hazards the forces have to operate in.

The bonanza could come in the shape of an enhanced pay package for the armed forces personnel and increasing the number of Generals, Brigadiers and Colonels and their equivalent in the Navy and the Air Force.

A final decision of the revised pay package as well as opening promotion avenues for the army, navy and the air force top brass is likely to be finalised at a key meeting on June 26.

At the meeting, Defence Minister A K Antony will lead his ministry’s delegation comprising all three service chiefs to work out new pay package with the empowered committee of secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar.

The meeting assumes significance in the wake of reported dissatisfaction over the sixth pay commission recommendations among the forces which is triggering an increased exodus.

Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Admiral Sureesh Mehta would make a presentation to the committee before it submits its report to the Cabinet.

An enhanced Military Service Pay for Personnel Below Officer Rank and rectifying anomalies in the rank structure between armed forces and the paramilitary forces, and the civil services are expected to be agreed upon at the meeting.
Source : Economic Times