Civil servants in the country are waiting for the RCSC’s plan of starting a clean wage system to materialise. However, with the pay commission not yet formed, they say the reform is moving too slowly for their liking. Under the clean wage, civil servants are expected to receive a higher pay cheque without any allowances.
The existing system of pay and allowances is found to be complex, with more than 25 different types of allowances. With some allowances taxable and some not, it creates an administrative burden and leaves room for corrupt practices. As per the RCSC’s annual report 2021-2022, civil servants will get a pay package without such hidden benefits.
Civil servants who preferred to maintain their anonymity on the ground of reservation they have because of the RCSC’s rule said the initiative looks extremely promising while also suggesting a few other recommendations.
“The approach of the Clean Wage System looks good but it is not making much progress. By the time it is implemented, ministries and agencies may lose all the experienced and good people. This will leave a vacuum in the delivery of public services for several years down the line. I can see many civil servants actually waiting for this change. If it still takes time, we will see more civil servants leaving the job,” said one.
“If we see the wage structure of civil servants and various other people in the corporate sector as well as the politicians, there is a huge discrepancy. Allowances and benefits form a major chunk of the wage or salary of politicians whereas there are minimal allowances and benefits for civil servants,” said another.
However, the civil servant said removing all the allowances would not be fair to some groups of professionals.
“Allowances should be streamlined. A person serving in high altitude such as in Lunana should definitely get an allowance for working in such a harsh environment or physician working 24 hours round the clock for seven days a week should definitely get an allowance for his extra work,” the civil servant added.
According to some, the plan will not see the light of the day anytime soon as the economic situation of the country will not be able to afford this. But some believe that implementing it will create a win-win situation for everyone.
“There are too many allowances and they say that their salary is so low, inadequate. They forget about the allowances being granted by the government. So in a way, if it could be consolidated, it would be easier for all concerned. Why to all concerned? There will be less paperwork and less headache to the accountants and the civil servants themselves so that they get only one package,” said Lyonpo Dago Tshering, a Former Minister.
As per the RCSC’s report, the proposal is to first move toward payment based on a clean wage system and introduce performance-based incentives that support a well-functioning Civil Service later. The intention of this reform initiative is to ensure that civil servants who execute the most significant function of implementing development programs are paid equally for their work.
As per the finance ministry, the pay commission is not yet formed in order to revise the structure of the salary, allowances, benefits, and other emoluments. It is likely to be tabled only during the summer parliament session next year.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam
