Following assurances from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar that the service concerns would be addressed, the armed forces seem to have toned down their stand regarding implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission (SPC). The services issued a note issued to all personnel stating that they were “constrained” to request the government to hold the implementation of the 7th pay commission award “in abeyance” in view of anomalies which need to be resolved. The Services are satisfied with the response.”There were speculations of a showdown between the government and the services following the note and Mr. Parrikar’s response. Defence officials that there was no confrontation and the note issued should not have gone out. Four key anomalies flagged by the services are Non Functional Upgrade (NFU), NFU pay fixation, Military Service Pay (MSP), common pay matrix for civilian and military services and allowances.

Source: The Hindu September 15, 2016 08:25 UTC