Pay Panel upsets scales in CRPF, judiciary

The present uneasiness stems from the grievance of Head constables who feel wronged by the incongruity in the salary structure. While the Head Constables draw a basic pay of Rs 3,200, the lower rung constables get a minimum of Rs 3,050 and the sub-inspectors Rs 5,000.

Of the over 1,20,000 CRPF personnel, around 30,000 head constables (HCs) form part of the middle-level cadre. While a large number of HCs are in field positions, about 8,000 are in the communication wing, designated as signal staff.

Though all the HCs are unhappy with the status-quo, it is the signal staff which has been taking the lead in giving a shape to the discontentment. Secret meetings of HC-level personnel are being held in almost all major cities.

A consensus has emerged at these meetings to reject the revised pay scales and the signal staff have vowed not to collect the arrears either, which were released two weeks ago. “We are all united in this decision. Until the higher-ups keep their word, we will not relent,” a signal official said.

Brushing aside the strict code of conduct, the signal staff have sent memoranda to Prime Minister I K Gujral, Home Minister Indrajit Gupta and Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy.

“Our usual forum — the Sainik Sammelans’ failed to yield results,” a wireless operator said.

According to the assurance given by the Union Home Ministry, the rank structure and pay scale of the middle-level cadre (NGO rank) of the CRPF were to be revised to be on par with the Delhi police, who were given the pay scale of Rs 5000-15-8000.

The CRPF signal staff should have been given the same rank and pay to bring in parity as ordered by the Home Ministry. But even after repeated pleas, the wireless operators were merely given the rank of HC and a lesser pay scale of Rs 3,200-85-4,900. In the Delhi Police, wireless operators were given the rank of assistant sub-inspector (ASI).

“As the CRPF formations are deployed throughout the country, including far-flung areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram, the requirement of long-range communication is essential,” said a head constable, who has been coordinating with the staff in other cities.

In October this year, the Union Home Ministry issued a notification restructuring the ranks and pay scales of the CRPF to bring them on par with the salary scales of the Delhi Police. As a result, the rank of Lance Naik was abolished and merged with that of Head Constable. The signal cadre was merged with the HC, whereas the signal staff of the Delhi Police was entitled to the scale of ASIs — Rs 5,000-150-8,000.