BANGALORE: The Chief Minister of  Karnataka,  Basavaraj Bommai, on Wednesday, March 1, announced that the government has decided to hike the basic salary of its employees by 17% as an interim relief. 

The government took this decision after the employees in the state went on strike today. "It has been ordered to sanction interim relief of 17% of the base wage for the State Government employees after discussion with the President of the State Government Employees Association, office bearers, and also with the Finance Officers. After the meeting, CM Bommai addressed the media and said, "We will create a committee on NPS and take measures based on its report.

In response to employee demand, a committee under an additional chief secretary will also be set up to study the feasibility of going back to the old pension scheme.

The execution of the 7th Pay Commission report, the implementation of at least 40% of fitment facilities, and a return to the Old Pension Plan are among the demands made by the employees.

Discussions are being held between our senior officials and the president of the government employees association. Bommai told reporters in Hubballi earlier on Tuesday that we are the ones who constituted the seventh pay commission and that it will be implemented in 2023–2024 itself. Funds have been earmarked for it in the budget.

We are ready to immediately direct the seventh pay commission to deliver the interim report and execute it right away, he said.  Later,  the CM assured reporters in Siddapaura that he too would have talks with the pay commission and senior officials and that the matter will be resolved by tomorrow. 

Karnataka State Government Workers' Association President C S Shadakshari stated that there is currently no chance of them cancelling the strike call.

For What Karnataka Govt Employees to go on indefinite strike today?