Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jun 2: The state government has not yet arrived at a clear stand on the implementation of cancellation of public holidays on various birthdays of historic personalities, cutting down of Casual Leaves (CL) and also leave on fourth Saturday of every month, recommended by the sixth state pay commission.

Though the sub-committee of the cabinet has given its green signal for the implementation of the recommendations of the commission, the government has not agreed to these as this may create protests from various communities and government employees.

The government has taken out an order in which it has asked for the complete review of the recommendation of the second volume of the commission with regards to the reform of the administration. The government has instructed to form an officers’ committee, under the acting chief secretary of the state, which will include five senior officers of the finance, personnel and administration reformation departments. The government has acted smart by postponing the controversial suggestion.

Sixth pay commission has recommended government holiday on the fourth Saturday of every month. To compliment this suggestion, the commission had recommended to reduce the casual leaves of the government employees from 15 to 12 and also to cancel the present government holidays on Mahaveera Jayanti, Basava Jayanti, Valmiki Jayanti, Kanakadasa Jayanti and May Day. In addition, the committee has also recommended cancellation of holidays on Good Friday, Mahalaya Amavasye and Eid Milad.

These recommendations of the sixth pay commission was approved by the cabinet sub-committee led by minister Krishna Byregowda. The proposal of the subcommittee was expected to get the approval in the cabinet meeting that was held last week. However, as these reforms may create controversy and agitation by various classes of the society, the government has submitted the same to the review of the officers' committee and washed off its hands for the time being.

The government is concerned that, if they implement the recommendations of the commission, then they will have to face the wrath of people of various communities. The commission has not recommended to cancel the Ambedkar Jayanti whereas all the other Jaynatis are cancelled. In addition, cancellation of Good Friday and Eid Milad holidays may label the government as against the minorities. The government employees will protest if the casual leave and public holidays are reduced.

The government has asked the Officers' Committee to record the opinion of the representatives of each community with regards to the cancellation of Jayantis. In addition, the committee is also asked to discuss the suggestions with the government employees' associations and submit a report to the government.