"Following the Centre’s example, the Finance Minister hinted at the formation of a Pay Commission in the state."

Based on a 14-point charter of demands, a five-member delegation of the Nationalist Employees’ Union submitted a deputation to Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy at the Secretariat on Wednesday. Among the key demands related to employees’ welfare were the formation of a full-fledged Pay Commission in the state, payment of pending Dearness Allowance, clearance of various allowances, and regularisation of irregular employees.

On this day, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy accepted the deputation containing the 14-point demands of the Nationalist Employees’ Union. He also held detailed discussions with the union representatives regarding the demands. Later, speaking to the press about the deputation, the Finance Minister said that on November 3, the Central Government had constituted the 8th Pay Commission under the leadership of Justice Ranjana Desai, comprising three members. The Commission has been asked to submit its report within 18 months.

He added that most states in the country work in alignment with the Central Government’s Pay Commission, and the state government would also try to do the same. He further informed that various employee-related issues of the state have already been submitted to the 16th Finance Commission. Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha has already discussed the matter with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After submitting the deputation, Sanjoy Sutradhar, the General Secretary of the Nationalist Employees’ Union, told reporters that they were satisfied with the words of Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy. He said the government is approaching various employee-related issues with a positive attitude.