In a landmark decision, the Punjab government has announced to give Rs 800-crore bonanza to state employees. The state Cabinet on Thursday introduced the Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACP) 4-9-14 in the pre-May 28, 2009 format with effect from November 1, 2011.
However, the employees who got the consequential benefits under the modified ACP would not be deprived of the same. The Cabinet also decided to regularize all daily wagers and work charged employees in different departments, boards and corporations in the state.
This is in addition to an across-the-board Special Permanent Grade Pay of Rs 150 plus allowances including DA, HRA to all its employees up to Pay Band 3 with Grade Pay of Rs 5,400 and would also be included to determine pension.
The government also decided to extend all pensionary benefits to all its employees retiring on or after April 1, 2012 at the completion of 25 years of service, instead of the present 33 years.
Also, as far as women employees are concerned, the government also introduced a special Child Care Leave of one year, in addition to the maternity leave, for all women having at least one child below the age of 18 years.
A meeting of the Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, also announced a handsome package for Punjab police personnel, including special permanent grade pay and one special increment besides manifold increase in conveyance allowance to all ranks from constables to inspectors.
Disclosing this here on Thursday, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that all the allowances that are not specifically dealt with by the 5th Punjab Pay Commission would be doubled while those left untouched by the Previous Pay Commissions shall be made four times.
In a major relief to the group ‘D’ employees as well as drivers, the Cabinet decided to grant one special permanent increment to all such employees like peons, chowkidars and malis. Drivers would also be entitled to have a special allowance of Rs 1,400 per month.
The Cabinet also gave nod to grant one special permanent increment to all police personnel who are in service as on March 31, 2012. This would be in addition to Rs 150 special grade pay to all employees in the Pay Band 3 ie Rs 10,300-34,800 with grade pay of Rs 5,400. Besides, their conveyance allowance would be made at par with the ministerial staff of appropriate parity.
