Sixth Pay Comm bonanza should improve efficiency, accountability

New Delhi, Mar 24 (UNI) The Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, which effected substantial salaries hike for over 4.5 million central government employees, should lead to better efficiency, productivity and accountability, an industry body said.

''I hope that central government employee would inspire themselves to be more accountable, much more productive, efficient and responsive while serving government as the exchequer is going to shed away a whopping amount of Rs 12,561 crore in 2008-09 itself on account of higher package,'' Assocham President Venugopal N Dhoot said.

Mr Dhoot also welcomed the 40 per cent increase in central government employee pension, describing the move in right direction, especially at times when prices of commodities are rising sharply.

However, he did not agree with apprehensions that the pay hike would fuel inflation and increase revenue deficit, arguing that increased buoyancy in tax collections direct and indirect as a result of higher tax compliance rates would take care of these factors.

''In any case in future, the central government is going to witness substantial hike in its revenue collections, benefits of which ought to be given to its employees and there should be no grudge against the pay commission's recommendations,'' Mr Dhoot said.

UNI BJR VD RK1830