6th Pay Commission Report: In a landmark ruling, the Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to immediately publish the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, ending a long and anxious wait for state government employees. This development, detailed in an interview with Debaprasad Halder, convener of the Unity Forum, has brought a wave of hope to thousands of employees across the state.
The Court’s Directive and Its Significance
The case was heard in the court of Justice Amrita Sinha. In a decisive move, the court issued two key directives to the state government:
- Online Publication: The complete report of the Sixth Pay Commission must be uploaded online for public access without delay.
- Provide a Copy: A copy of the report must be handed over to the petitioner, the Unity Forum.
Justice Sinha also remarked that withholding such a crucial document for an extended period was not only improper but also an injustice to the employees whose livelihoods are directly affected by its recommendations.
Unity Forum’s Struggle and Employee Rights
Debaprasad Halder explained that state employees have been waiting for this report for nearly a decade. According to him, the report contains vital information regarding Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA), which are directly tied to their financial rights. After repeated requests to the state government for the report’s publication were met with resistance, the Unity Forum was compelled to seek legal intervention. They view this court order as a significant moral victory.
Government’s Stance and Future Steps
During the hearing, the state government’s counsel stated their readiness to release the report upon receiving a formal court order. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 1st. All eyes are now on the state government to see how swiftly it complies with the court’s directive. Employees are optimistic that they will soon have detailed knowledge of the pay commission’s recommendations, which will empower them in their future negotiations for their rights. This ruling has sparked a new sense of optimism and has made government employees more aware of their entitlements.
