7th Pay Commission: Implementation after receipt of interim report, says Karnataka CM Bommai amidst calls for indefinite strike

As government employees across Karnataka are set to go on an indefinite strike from March 1 seeking fulfilment of various demands, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday reached out to them. He said that the administration was ready to seek 7th Pay commission's interim report immediately and implement it.

The government employees have forwarded three major demands -- implementation of the 7th Pay Commission report, reverting to the Old Pension Scheme and implementation of at least 40 per cent of fitment facilities.

Bommai told reporters at Hubballi that senior officials are in touch with the government employees' association. 

"I have already made it clear in the Assembly that we were the ones who formed the seventh pay commission and it will be implemented in 2023-24 itself, and funds for it have been allocated in the budget," Bommai added, as per PTI.

He further said their demand is to seek an interim report and implement it, which he has agreed to.

We are ready to immediately direct the seventh pay commission to submit the interim report and implement it, he added.

Karnataka State Government Employees' Association President C S Shadakshari had earlier said that services including hospitals -- other than casualty and essential services -- will be affected due to the strike.

Besides, all services of 'Mahanagara Palike' and 'Pura Sabha' including pourakarmika (civic workers) and various energy supply companies will also be impacted.

Revenue collection, schools and pre-university examinations, will also be hit, he said, adding that "there is already an eight-month delay, we cannot wait anymore, we don't know what will happen when the new government comes in, so the employees have decided to go on strike voluntarily".

Barring a few like transport, critical care at hospitals and crematoriums, most of the services are likely to be hit due to the stir.

(With PTI inputs)

Also Read: G20 meeting: Japan says it's undecided on who will attend foreign ministers’ meet in India

Watch | Messi, Putellas: Top winners at FIFA Football Awards