Final Meeting on Ninth National Pay Scale on January 21

Staff Report: PNN

The government pay commission is set to finalize decisions regarding the Ninth National Pay Scale. The latest meeting of the commission is scheduled for January 21, during which all recommendations related to the new pay scale will be finalized and submitted to the government.

On Thursday (January 8), the full commission decided on this date. A commission source said that another meeting might be held if necessary, but the January 21 session is considered the final one.

A commission member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the commission has very limited time and must finalize and submit recommendations within the set timeframe, which is why work is being expedited.

The minimum-to-maximum salary ratio for the Ninth National Pay Scale has been set at 1:8. Previously, options of 1:8, 1:10, and 1:12 were discussed. After extensive review, the commission agreed on the 1:8 ratio. For example, if the base salary at the 20th grade is 100 units, the maximum grade will have a base salary of 800 units.

Discussions about the minimum salary are ongoing, with three proposals: 21,000 BDT, 17,000 BDT, or 16,000 BDT. One of these will be finalized. The maximum salary has not yet been finalized, as the structure for house rent, medical allowance, and other benefits is still under consideration.

Thus, the January 21 meeting is seen as the most crucial step in determining the Ninth National Pay Scale.