Sikkim Constitutes 4th Pay Commission to Review State Services Pay Structure

The Government of Sikkim, through a Notification issued by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, Training, Public Grievances, Career Options Employment, Skill Development and Chief Minister's Self Employment Scheme, established the 4th Pay Commission. This significant administrative measure, bearing Notification No. F (70) 162 /GEN/DOP and dated August 18, 2008, was officially published in the Sikkim Government Gazette, Extraordinary, No. 351, on August 19, 2008, and came into force upon its publication. The primary impetus behind the constitution of this commission was to undertake a comprehensive examination of the existing pay structure across various State Services and to formulate appropriate recommendations for its improvement. The commission was formally constituted with Hon'ble Shri Justice R K Patra, a former Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim and then Chairman of the Law Commission of Sikkim, as its Chairman. Shri Bijoy Pratap Pradhan, IAS, who was serving as the Managing Director of the State Bank of Sikkim, was appointed as the Member Secretary. The Notification also granted the commission the authority to co-opt the services of other State Government officers as deemed necessary for its functions. The establishment of this commission directly impacts all categories of State Government employees, as its findings and recommendations are intended to reshape their remuneration and benefits.

The legislative intent behind constituting the 4th Pay Commission was to address the evolving needs of the State Government's workforce and to ensure a fair, rational, and efficient compensation system. The earlier legal position comprised existing pay scales, grades, allowances, and retirement benefits that required periodic review to remain relevant and equitable. The commission was specifically tasked with identifying and addressing statutory gaps, issues, or limitations within this framework. Its terms of reference were broad, encompassing a review of the existing structure of pay scales for all categories of State Government employees, with a mandate to suggest desirable and feasible changes. Furthermore, the commission was directed to examine existing grades in Government Services to ensure uniformity in pay scales commensurate with duties and responsibilities, and to propose adjustments, including increases or reductions in the number of grades. A critical aspect of its work involved scrutinizing the variety of allowances and benefits in kind available to employees, with the aim of rationalizing and simplifying them to promote administrative efficiency. The commission was also required to examine existing rules related to death-cum-retirement benefits and rates of Travelling Allowance/Dearness Allowance (TA/DA), suggesting necessary changes. Additionally, it was to consider leave travel concession facilities for State Government employees. The legislation provided: “To examine the existing structure of pay scales of all categories of State Government employees and to suggest changes which may be desirable and feasible.” This core directive underscored the commission's role in proposing amendments to existing laws or introducing new rights and obligations concerning employee compensation. The commission was given a statutory timeline, mandated to submit its final report to the State Government by March 31, 2009, thereby setting a clear enforcement mechanism for its deliberations.

Keywords: Sikkim, Pay Commission, State Government Employees, Pay Structure, Allowances, Retirement Benefits, Notification

Geo Tags: India, Sikkim District: Not Applicable