The members of the National Council raised their concerns on how the government is going to align the pay structure of the private and corporate employees. The members questioned the finance minister at the introduction of the Pay Revision Bill in the National Council today. Civil servants are to see a pay revision of at least 55 per cent of the minimum pay scale across all position levels in the civil service and public servants.
Following the introduction of the bill, some members of the National Council raised their concerns regarding the pay structure in the private sector and corporations.
“From my observation whenever there is pay revision, it seems like people working in the private sector are impacted. So, if the Finance Minister could tell us how this issue is being addressed?,” said Tshering Wangchen, Monggar NC.
“The Pay Commission this time is initiated with an objective to improve the living standard of civil servants and to motivate them. But we don’t hear anything about the private sector and corporations. So, how is the government planning to manage their pay structure?,” said Dago Tsheringla, Haa NC.
In response, Namgay Tshering, the Finance Minister said the government assists the private sector in terms of monetary policies.
“The government does not provide a budget for the private sector anywhere. Even in the strongest economy like America, the government does not provide subsidies to the private sector. But what the government can do is provide tax incentives, monetary relief measures and create policies that can benefit them.”
Meanwhile, the members also raised their concerns about the discontinued benefits to the civil servants such as vehicle quota. Questions were also raised regarding encashing leave within five years.
The National Council will deliberate on the bill from Friday.
Kinzang Lhadon
