Supreme Court (SC) employees ranging from grades BS-1 to BS-22 are in for a pleasant surprise as they are set to receive a salary increase that surpasses the raise initially announced in the 2023-24 budget. This salary increase entails a 30-35 percent raise from the budget, along with an additional one basic pay from the 2022 pay scales, as per reports.
Higher Salaries for SC Employees
SC employees already enjoy higher salaries due to the special judicial allowance, which amounts to three times the initial basic pay of the 2022 pay scales. However, this additional increase has raised concerns within the government, as they were anticipating the Supreme Court to contribute to the ongoing austerity measures.
Notification Unfreezing the Special Judicial Allowance
A notification issued by the Supreme Court has unfrozen the special judicial allowance, revising it to one initial payment from the 2022 pay scales. This revision means that employees will receive a revised allowance equivalent to three initial basic pays, which will be covered by the Court’s sanctioned budget grant.
Significant Increase for SC Employees
According to reports, this notification alone will result in a minimum monthly increase ranging from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 122,190 for employees in grades BS-17 to BS-22. This increase is certainly substantial and will have a positive impact on the financial well-being of SC employees. Additionally, all Supreme Court employees will also benefit from the 30-35 percent raise announced in the budget.
Tax Exemption and Different Percentage Raises
It is worth noting that the raise announced for SC employees is reportedly exempt from income tax. Officers in grades BS-17 to BS-22 will receive a 30 percent raise, while officials in grades BS-16 and below will receive a slightly higher raise of 35 percent. This differentiation ensures that the raise is distributed in a fair and balanced manner across various employee grades within the Supreme Court.
Government Concerns and Expectations
The news of this higher salary increase for SC employees has raised eyebrows within the government. They had hoped that the Supreme Court would join in the government’s ongoing austerity measures and take steps to curb expenditure. However, with this additional increase, it appears that the Court is moving in the opposite direction.
Balancing Financial Needs and Judicial Considerations
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law in the country. As an institution responsible for dispensing justice, it is imperative that the Court’s employees are adequately compensated for their services. While the government’s concerns about austerity measures are valid, it is essential to strike a balance between financial needs and ensuring a well-functioning judicial system.
Government-SC Relationship and Future Implications
The higher salary increase for Supreme Court employees has inadvertently strained the relationship between the government and the judiciary. The government had expected the Supreme Court to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and contribute to the austerity measures being implemented across various sectors. However, the Court’s decision to grant an additional raise has created a discordant note in the government’s efforts to tighten spending.
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The announcement of a higher salary increase for Supreme Court employees ranging from grades BS-1 to BS-22 has come as a welcome surprise. With a 30-35 percent raise from the budget and an additional one basic pay from the 2022 pay scales, SC employees are set to enjoy an improved financial situation. However, concerns have been raised within the government about the Supreme Court’s contribution to austerity measures. It remains to be seen how this increase in salaries will impact the overall functioning of the judiciary and the broader financial landscape of the country.
