Pay commission suggestions: Line helpers move HC

Panaji: The Bombay high court has called for responses from state govt and the chief engineer of the Goa electricity department in response to a petition filed by line helpers seeking revision of their salary and for payment of arrears on grounds that they were not paid in accordance with the recommendations of the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions.The line helpers, led by Sanju Gawade, Shivraj Gaonkar and others, told the high court that they represent the interest of at least 310 line helpers. All were paid salary less than the minimum prescribed by the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions’ recommendations that were implemented by central and state govts.They claimed that from the year 2008 onwards, there was a shortfall of Rs 1,260 in their initial salary each month, and in addition to the terms of the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions recommendations, they sought an increment of three per cent to make up for the shortfall in salaries.The shortfall in payment has affected their salary all throughout and will also affect their retirement dues, including pension, gratuity and leave encashment, they stated. They sought payment arrears along with interest.The petition will be taken up hearing next on June 17. Advocates Shashikant Joshi and Swapna Joshi appeared for line helpers.