7th Pay Commission: Why Centre can bear the load of a pay hike

As Central Government employees await good news on the 7th Pay Commission, there is a relay strike that has been called for. The government is yet to give any clear indication on the pay hike, but sources tell OneIndia that the promise would be fulfilled as the economy is witnessing a positive change.

Meanwhile Indian Railway employees have called for a 72 hour relay hunger strike across the country against the non-implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. They are upset over the reported move of the government to privatise the national transporter.

The All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) stated that despite several meetings with leaders of the central government organisations, the government has not taken any decision on their 7th Pay commission linked demands.

The union stated that "Despite requests to the government of India to consider the demands of the Central Government Employees -- improvement in minimum wage and fitment factor after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, provision of guaranteed pension and family pension to all the NPS (National Pension Scheme) covered employees, irrespective of their date of appointment...Contractorisation leading towards wholesale privatisation, no fruitful outcome has emerged as yet despite lapse of around two years' precious time."

The government on the other hand says that the CG employees and pensioners would not have to wait for long. The economy is showing positive signs. If the economy is able to grow in a significant manner, the Centre can bear the load of the pay hike under the 7th Pay Commission.