30 May 2008

In view of issues raised on the implementation of the PCS, the Pay Commission will submit a work plan to the cabinet by August 24 addressing issues and making suggestions.

Sonam Tshering, the Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, who is also the Chairperson for the Pay Commission, said that the Commission will look into the disparities that are there in the civil service and also check if the PCS looks into those issues. “We had a meeting last week where the Royal Civil Service Commission had a brief presentation on the PCS which helped us understand the issues better,” he said.

He also pointed out that the main nuances in the PCS arose due to its principle of vested rights and that the PCS clause on equal pay for equal work had to be reviewed. The commission will also look at the private sector. “We will be looking at the companies that have a proper structure and not just any company,” said Sonam Tshering.

Apart from reviewing pay scales, the commission will also evaluate allowances. “There are some civil servants who are entitled to officiating allowance beyond a period of one month but have not received any allowances,” he said. The commission will also make sure that duty vehicles are provided only and if necessary.

“We will make sure that the civil servants are motivated and that the disparities are addressed but we will also have to consider the affordability of the government keeping in mind the expenditure that the governmenthas to bear and the internal sources of government revenue,” said Sonam Tshering.

The commission will also look at the sixth pay commission report of India to see how they have incorporated changes and at the end of its term, the Pay Commission will also create a feedback forum ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to encourage further suggestions from the people.

Source: http://www.bhutanobserver.bt