Except for Thrompons, all other Local Government (LG) members are expected to receive a 40 percent pay raise by July this year. This was revealed as the Finance Minister Namgay Dorji presented the Third Pay Commission’s Pay Revision Report 2017 in the National Assembly today.
The government established the Third Pay Commission on February 20. It was mandated to review and recommend revision of pay, allowances and benefits of LG members. The Pay Commission, after carrying out the review, submitted its report to the government on May 1.
The government states it has endorsed the Pay Commission’s report since it is based on extensive research and analysis and offers realistic recommendations. The report, however, is subject to a review by the National Assembly’s Finance Committee.
If the revision proposed by the Pay Commission is approved by the National Assembly, Gups will receive a minimum monthly basic salary of Nu 28,000, an increase of Nu 8,000 from what they are paid currently.
Mangmi and Dzongkhag Thromde Thuemis will receive Nu 21,000. The current salary for Mangmi and Dzongkhag Thromde Thuemis is Nu 15,000. The Thromde Theumis and Tshogpas will see their pay rise to Nu 9,800 from the existing Nu 7,000.
Apart from the salary hike, the local government leaders will also see a raise in the allowances and benefits. For instance, the daily allowance will see an increase of 33-66 percent- 33 percent for Gups, 50 percent for Mangmis and 66 percent for Tshogpas.
The local government members will also be entitled to mileage for work related travels beyond their respective Gewogs and Thromdes.
The government has also approved revision in the sitting fees, the Communication Allowance and the Special Responsibility Allowance for Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons. Post service benefits such as Provident Fund, Gratuity and Group Insurance Scheme have also been approved.
The Pay Commission report states no pay revision has been proposed for Thrompons as they are already being paid adequately.
The Finance Committee of the National Assembly will review the Pay Commission’s report and then the house will deliberate on it, which will be in 10 days from today.
Currently, there are 1,499 local government members in the country.
