7th Pay Commission: Will Modi announce pay hike on August 15, here are the details

New Delhi, Aug 3: There is palpable tension as Independence Day approaches as Central Government employees await good news on the 7th Pay Commission. There has been speculation galore that the Prime Minister would make two announcements on August 15.

However, there is no confirmation whatsoever on this issue and issues relating to the 7th Pay Commission are still under discussion. The two issues that the CG employees hope would be resolved are a hike in the basic pay and fitment factor and an increase in the retirement age.

Analysts say that if one looks at the trend, there is no reason why CG employees should not get good news. The only issue is the timing. Will the PM make an announcement on Independence Day or will the decision be further delayed.

Sources tell OneIndia that the deliberations are on. At a recent meeting, the government had said that the decision would be considered only after the financial implications are taken into consideration.

Moreover, Arun Jaitley who has been part of all the major decisions regarding the 7th Pay Commission is yet to take charge of the ministry. He was on a three-month hiatus and will return to the Finance Ministry only after August 15. This would mean that a full decision would be taken only after he returns to office. During the past three months, in Jaitley's absence, the files regarding this issue have not moved. Jaitley has however held a few meetings with officials via video conferencing, but the 7th Pay Commission was not deliberated at length.

Sources say that there is a greater chance of Modi giving the CG employees an assurance on August 15. For him to take a decision on the spot would not be possible as the issue is still under consideration. The source also said that good news regarding the 7th Pay Commission is most likely to come only in November. However, there could be an assurance on Independence Day. Let us wait and watch.