The new pay scale will be finalised ahead of the scheduled six-month timeframe, National Pay Commission Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan has said.
Zakir Ahmed, also former finance secretary and chairman of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), informed Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a meeting with the National Pay Commission delegation at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday afternoon.
Khan mentioned that although inflation and GDP have risen significantly over the last decade, salaries have not increased proportionately.
The commission is not only working on timely salary revisions but is also preparing a separate salary structure for specialised jobs. This includes salary structures that consider income tax payments, calculations of allowances such as house rent, medical and transportation, methods to adjust salaries in line with inflation, and determining retirement benefits including timely pensions.
He added that the commission plans to recommend salary structures based on employee evaluations, rationalise financial benefits both in cash and in kind—such as telephone, car and mobile phone allowances—and eliminate inconsistencies in salary grades and increments.
“We have already begun work in full swing,” said Khan. “Although six months have been allotted to determine the salary structure, we hope to submit the final report earlier than scheduled.”
Prof Yunus directed the commission to devise a rational salary structure for government and autonomous officials and employees that aligns with present-day realities.
Emphasising the importance of health insurance for officials, the Chief Adviser said even if salaries increase, many people lose their assets due to a single illness. “Insurance is vital for family security. Similar models exist in neighbouring countries.”
After a decade, the National Pay Commission has been formed to review and recommend a new salary structure for government and autonomous officials and employees.
It will assess salaries, allowances, and other benefits of employees across government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, state-owned banks, financial institutions, approved universities, and state-owned industrial enterprises covered by the national pay scale.
Among others, Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, principal secretary to the chief adviser Sirajuddin Mia, and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhles Ur Rahman were also present.