The Hindu Business Line : Make defence chiefs among the highest paid: Pay panel

New Delhi, March 24 Aiming to attract and retain talent in the defence forces, the Sixth Pay Commission today recommended elevating the three defence services chiefs to be among the highest paid public servicemen, while suggesting at least 40 per cent hikes for the rank and file.

For the three chiefs, the Commission recommended a salary of Rs 90,000 per month equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary. Currently, they draw a fixed monthly pay of Rs 30,000 per month. For soldiers and officers, the Commission recommended at least 40 per cent hike across the board.

The Army, Navy and Air Force Chiefs would continue to be at par with the Defence Secretary in protocol.

The Commission also elevated the rank of the Director General Armed Forces Medical services to the Secretary, Government of India and would draw a fixed salary of Rs 80,000 per month.

It also instituted a special Military Service Pay up to the rank of Brigadiers. For all officers from a second Lieutenant to Brigadiers, it has recommended a monthly special pay of Rs 6,000 and Rs 1,000 for personnel below officer rank.

Brushing aside the opposition of Ministry of Home Affairs on lateral shift of defence personnel to central police organisations (CPOs) the Commission said, “it will not only result in substantial financial savings for the government but will also guarantee a lifetime employment to the defence forces personnel.”

It has recommended that up to 35,000 of defence personnel out of about 40,000 personnel retiring every year could be directly recruited in the CPOs. The CPOs recruit 35,000 people annually.

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