Uncertainty has arisen over the implementation of the much-discussed ninth national pay structure for government employees. The Ministry of Finance has indicated that the salary structure is unlikely to be implemented during the current interim government’s tenure despite the formation of the Pay Commission and the deadline.
The National Pay Commission was constituted for the ninth pay scale last July. Although the recommendations are supposed to be submitted within six months, the final report of the commission is yet to come even after the deadline has passed. Meanwhile, financial adviser. Salehuddin Ahmed said that the next elected government will take the final decision on the implementation of the new pay scale.
He said, announcing the new pay structure is a complicated process. It involves the government’s financial capacity, administrative readiness and structural reforms. He also opined that it is not practical to scrutinize these issues and publish the gazette in a short period of time.
According to the schedule of the Election Commission, the national election campaign will start from January 22, 2026. On the other hand, the final recommendation of the Pay Commission is expected to come in the second week of January. The stakeholders feel that it is almost impossible to review the recommendations, approve and publish the gazette in such a short period of time.
Meanwhile, the delay in the implementation of the pay scale is increasing anger among the government employees. The employee organizations gave an ultimatum to submit recommendations by November 30. They have also warned of agitation as the deadline has passed and the implementation is uncertain.
It is reported that the proposed draft has the thought of reducing the current 20 grades to 13 grades. However, more meetings are needed within the commission regarding this change. According to the related sources, there are at least three meetings left.
All in all, there is a strong perception that the expected ninth pay scale of government employees is not being implemented during the tenure of the current government. The indication that the burden of decision and implementation is falling on the shoulders of the next government is gradually becoming clear.
