It seems to be IAS/DANICS vs DASS officers in the national Capital. In order to contain the powerful IAS lobby that supported the DANICS resolution on Wednesday to go on mass casual leave protesting against suspension of two officers, the Arvind Kejriwal Government gave in principal approval to hike salary of DASS cadre of the Delhi Government on Thursday.
The Cabinet has agreed to increase basic pay from`5,400 to `8,700. Also, the Cabinet has agreed for restructuring of the cadre for more avenues for promotion.
Though the decision was taken at an emergency Cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to implement the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendation, DASS cadre officers seem to be not impressed with the Government’s move as the competent authority to increase their salary and perks is the Centre.
A DASS employee said on the condition of anonymity that this Government has no power to implement the 6th Pay Commission without consent of MHA. “The Centre’s approval is needed for hike in salary,” he said.
Earlier, the Kejriwal Government had decided to hike the salary of DANICS officers but the decision was put in abeyance following the order of Ministry of Home Affairs, not to take the benefit of salary hike.
The DASS cadre employees first went on hunger strike on September 16, but all in vain. Then they had reportedly been assured by the Chief Secretary that their demands would be promptly looked into.