RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh government today announced implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, which will benefit over 2.60 lakh state government employees.
Chief Minister Raman Singh made the announcement while replying to discussion on the appropriation bill 2017 in the state Legislative Assembly.
The bill was passed by voice vote after the discussion, paving the way for withdrawal of state's annual budgetary provision of around Rs 81,000 crore for 2017-18 from the Consolidated Fund.
The government would implement the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission with effect from April 2017, Singh said.
He also announced hike in the Public Relations Fund of MLAs from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.
Salary of managers of Primary Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Societies would be increased by 25 per cent, from existing Rs 10,000 per month to Rs 12,500.
Prabandhak Kalyan Nidhi (Manager Welfare Fund) will be created for them and their families. Minor Forest Produce Association will deposit a fixed amount in this fund, while the managers will have to deposit Rs 500 each month, the CM said, adding that they will also get insurance cover.
Singh also announced setting up of an award in the memory of forest officer Daulat Ram Lader for Forest Department employees for contribution to conservation and promotion of forest, wildlife and forest produce.
Ram himself will get the award posthumously this year. His wife Pushpa Lader will receive the award carrying Rs one lakh and citation, the CM said.
Lader (44), a Forest Ranger of Lailunga forest range in Raigarh district, was hacked to death by members of timber and mining mafia on February 20. Six people were arrested in the case.