Government asks people to not compare seventh pay panel with previous ones

The Indian government has said that it is "not appropriate" at people’s part to compare the increase in minimum pay as suggested by the seventh Central Pay Commission with that of the previous commissions applied in the country.

As per the 7th Pay Commission that gets effective from January 1st, the real increase given in minimum pay in years 1996 and 2006 was 31% and 51%, respectively, compared to which the commission has recommended an increase of 14.29%.

"The 7th Central Pay Commission has worked out its recommendations on pay based on all relevant factors having a bearing on the prevailing circumstances and, therefore, viewing the increase on this occasion in the light of the circumstances obtaining 10 and 20 years ago is not appropriate," Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal replied to a query in Rajya Sabha.

He added that the ratio between the minimum pay of Rs 18,000 per month and top pay of Rs 2,25,000 per month is 1:12.5.

"In order to enhance the income of other categories of workers, both central and state governments are required to fix, review and revise the minimum wages of the workers employed in scheduled employment under their respective jurisdictions at an interval not exceeding five years."

"The minimum rates of wages are also applicable for the workers engaged on contract basis," he added.

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