While the Home Ministry could not push through demands of the police and paramilitary forces in earlier discussions, an intervention by RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav ensured that each state creates at least one DGP-level post equivalent to the Chief Secretary. This move was supported by NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

For the armed forces, the Cabinet has met the demand of moving Colonels and Brigadiers to a higher pay band (PB-4). This comes after the forces protested against the “unfair deal” given to mid-level officers. For senior Lt Gen-level officers posted at Defence Headquarters, the Cabinet has corrected an anomaly by making their salaries equivalent to Commanders in the field.

Soldiers too have been given an enhanced allowance that will bring the salary of each by at least Rs 1,000 over and above the pay panel suggestion. All soldiers will be given an enhanced Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs 2,000, up from the recommended Rs 1,000.

The Cabinet has also approved at least three assured promotions for all Defence personnel and civilian employees. Civilians would get assured promotions after 10, 20 and 30 years of service while jawans will be promoted after 8, 16 and 24 years.

The armed forces have welcomed the modifications made by the Cabinet and have said that all concerns of the Defence forces appear to have been suitably addressed. “Even as more details are awaited, prima facie, all concerns of the Defence forces appear to have been suitably addressed. Increase in MSP of PBORs and compensation for middle-rung officers are particularly heartening. The decision to credit arrears with effect from January 1, 2006 is most welcome,” said Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Navy chief and Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

... contd.