15 lakh govt employees to get higher grades

The Supreme Court's Appellate Division has issued a detailed ruling that allows government employees to qualify for higher grades, even if they have already received time scales and selection grades. As a result, approximately 15 lakh employees from government and autonomous institutions will be entitled to this benefit.

The 18-page ruling was published on the Supreme Court's website on Tuesday (July 15).

On April 30, an oral ruling on this matter was issued by the Appellate Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Mohammad Ashfaqul Islam.

The Ministry of Finance had issued a circular stating that employees who receive multiple time scales or selection grades would not qualify for a higher grade under the new pay scale. Only one higher grade would be granted if an employee received a single time scale or selection grade. This decision led several government employees to file a writ petition in the High Court, expressing dissatisfaction.

Under the new pay scale, the government had introduced a system where employees who have worked in the same position for 10 years would automatically receive two higher grades. However, three months after the new pay scale was introduced, the Ministry of Finance issued a clarifying circular in September of the previous year.

The full verdict from the Appellate Division now clearly states that employees who have received time scales and selection grades are also eligible for higher grades. This ruling addresses the long-standing demands of government employees and resolves the legal uncertainties surrounding the issue.