Common cadre employees seek Central pay scales, stage protest
Members of the Chandigarh Common Cadre Employees Union today sat on a dharna outside the UT Secretariat in protest against non-implementation of Central pay scales, specifically the 2800 grade pay for regular clerks and stenographers based on their qualification.
Prior to April 1, 2022, employees of the Chandigarh Administration followed the Punjab Civil Service Rules. Following the announcement by Home Minister Amit Shah on March 27, 2022, the Central Civil Service Rules were implemented in the city.
In a communication to UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, the union expressed discontent regarding the prolonged delay in implementing the 2800 grade pay for clerks and stenographers.
“We have been deprived of the rightful pay scales as per educational qualification. This deprivation has inflicted considerable financial and emotional stress on us, impeding our ability to meet even our most basic needs and aspirations,” the union added.
The protesters said repeated representations and requests to the authorities had gone unanswered, making them feel disregarded and marginalised. Even the UT Adviser on March 12 gave assurance to take up their issues before the Grievance Committee for consideration whereas despite assurance, no action has been taken so far, they added.
Even, the Administration did not put up the matter in agenda item of the upcoming Grievance Committee meeting scheduled to be held on December 20.
The union requested the Administrator to expedite the implementation of the 2800 grade pay for all clerks and stenographers with the Chandigarh Administration.
The protesters lifted the dharna around 5.30 pm after getting a written assurance from the Special Secretary that the scheduled meeting of the Grievance Committee has been postponed and their matter would be recommended to be taken up in the next meeting.
