Even the bureaucrats seem to be facing the pressure of inflation. That is the reason why the Rajasthan IAS Association has demanded a nearly four-fold increase in the entry-level salary of IAS officers. The Rajasthan IAS Association has proposed a basic pay hike from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2 lakh a month before the 8th Central Pay Commission.
The association has submitted a memorandum to the Pay Commission citing the responsibilities handled by IAS officers from their first posting, including law and order, revenue administration, flagship govt programmes and disaster management.
To further substantiate its claim, the association has raised the issue of frequent transfers, difficult postings, long working hours, and continuous public accountability.
Apart from the pay hike, it also sought a comprehensive revision of allowances and service benefits covering healthcare, travel, education, transfers, gadgets, and remote working.
One of the key demands is the continuation of CGHS coverage for state-cadre IAS officers. This facility is given to them only during central deputation, and the benefit lapses when officers return to their state cadre. The association has sought their continued eligibility.
Besides, it has also proposed removing the Rs 9,000 monthly income ceiling, plus dearness relief, for dependent parents to qualify for CGHS.
Similarly, it wants the four-year block for travel anywhere in India reduced to two years for Leave Travel Concession. Alternatively, officers should be allowed economy-class travel to a SAARC destination, with reimbursement capped at Rs 1.5 lakh per trip.
Further demands include raising the Children Education Allowance from Rs 2,812.50 to Rs 6,000 per child a month and the hostel subsidy from Rs 8,437.50 to Rs 18,000. It has also sought school admission fee reimbursement up to Rs 40,000 per child, a Rs 4,000 monthly medical allowance, and a Rs 15,000 home orderly allowance and a gadget allowance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh every three years.
This is not all. The association also wants workspace support, higher transfer grants, concessional conveyance advances up to Rs 10 lakh and recognition of private-sector experience in career progression and pay.
To press for its demands, the association’s representatives met the Chief Secretary on Wednesday and argued that widening pay disparities with the private sector could affect the civil services’ ability to attract and retain top talent.
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