FORMER Federal Secretary Nargis Sethi has been appointed as Chairperson of the Pay and Pension Commission 2020. She replaces Wajid Rana, who reportedly resigned in view of duplication of the job in the name of institutional reforms.
Nargis Sethi was assigned important tasks in the past as well and she proved her mettle by successfully delivering as per expectations of the Government. As she has a rich and varied background, it is hoped that the Pay and Pension Commission would consider all relevant issues minutely and come out with its recommendations on a priority basis. This is important as pays and pensions were not increased by the incumbent Government on the occasion of announcement of the federal budget for the current financial year and their capacity to lead an honourable life has further been eroded due to alarming levels of inflation. In view of the fact that the price-hike has affected the fixed income groups more than any other segment of the society, the Pay and Pension Commission should have completed its task on a war footing but it seems the Government was not serious in finalization of the work of the Commission or implementation of its recommendations. This is evident from the fact that the Commission was formed in April 2020, well before presentation of the budget and recommendations could have been made and incorporated in the budget. Now the Commission has a new head and its composition is not complete in the absence of notification of other members, which is yet another indication that it was not a priority with the Government despite the fact that employees have been on roads because of their financial woes and difficulties. The Government should not wait for the next budget and announce an increase in salaries and pensions and this can be done on the basis of an interim recommendation of the Commission.
