Three services chiefs to meet Antony over Pay Comm report

New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) The three services chiefs will meet Defence Minister A K Antony here tomorrow to discuss the ''anomalies'' in the Pay Commission in respect of the armed forces.

The Pay Commission recommendations vis-a-vis the personnel of the three services has caused a widespread resentment among the armed forces, many of whom claimed that they were being offered ''just peanuts'' while some even went to the extent of saying the report ''need to be thrown in the dustbin''.

Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta told UNI here that they were examining the Pay Commission report and the anomalies, if any, would be brought to the notice of the authorities concerned.

''We are examining what we feel are the anomalies in the Pay Commission report. If we find any anomalies, we will bring those to the notice of the pay commission,'' he said.

Admiral Mehta, who is also the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), said the Pay Commission clearly mentioned in the report that anomalies, if any, should be brought to its notice.

''Therefore, links are open for us to discuss the matter.'' Talking to journalists on the sidelines of a function here, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said the pay commission recommendations regarding the armed forces need a re-look and the reiteration.

''We are analysing the report. It will take us some time (a day or two) to study it,'' he, however, hastened to add.

Earlier, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said they would give some ''cogent'' suggestions to the Pay Commission after studying the report.

''We will study the report and on that basis we will give some cogent suggestions. The COSC will take up the issue with the Pay Commission as he had represented the armed forces in the panel,'' he added.

Speaking about the issue, the Defence Minister hinted at some modification or re-look at the report.

However, he said the matter would be discussed with all the concerned. ''This is my reaction on the issue for today,'' Mr Antony remarked when asked about the resentment of the armed forces over the Pay Commission's recommendations visa the personnel of the three services.

The sources told UNI that the three services chiefs will meet the Defence Minister tomorrow to ''air their grievances'' over the Pay Commission report.

UNI AG SK KN2008