:: Dilip Cherian

Promoting anew

By Dilip Cherian

Jul 05 : The government is actually implementing another babu-friendly recommendation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission by introducing modifications in the time-bound promotion policy, and hopefully address babus’ complaints about career stagnation.

The Assured Career Progression Scheme had actually been recommended by the now-ancient Fifth Pay Commission. It envisaged three time-bound promotions for Group A babus and two time-bound promotions for babus in Groups B, C and D. Although it was welcomed by babus, there still were some lacunae which the government has now tried to rectify. Sources say that babus who worked in organisations with more intermediate grades suffered under this plan because upgradation placed them in lower pay-scales compared to their peers in other organisations.

This anomaly, sources say, has finally been addressed by the government. It has now introduced three time-bound promotions for Group A, B and C babus. Interestingly, the status of Group D babus will change to "C" after completion of their prescribed training. The government clearly sees this as a positive step to win over babus. But will they oblige with some hard work to help this government in its first 100 days? That’s the real crucial question.

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Corporate ways

The Gujarat education department is now planning to go the corporate way, at least as far as performance appraisal for babus goes. The government has hired an Ahmedabad-based human resource consultant to take the 360-degree feedback on an experimental basis.

This method will allow babus to receive feedback from their peers, subordinates, co-workers and stakeholders in addition to their supervisors. Earlier, Gujarat babus would only be judged by their top bosses. Now with so many others added to the judging category, they will have no other option but to maintain good relations with everyone with whom they come in contact with.

The state government also plans to introduce a similar strategy for principals and teachers in the state schools. Earlier, Jayanti Ravi, the then state commissioner for education, had mooted the idea of having such a system in place where students can give feedback of the teachers. Perilous tunes ahead — ahem.

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Thrift no more

With elections over, the government seems to have abandoned its policy of thrift and has fallen back on its old ways. Last year, the government had prohibited carriers like Air India to offer free companion tickets to babus who intended to mix business with pleasure on international trips. The "ban" has now been lifted by the expenditure department after a "review" at the request of the civil aviation ministry. The only change this time is that to avail this offer, babus will have to buy a first-class full-fare ticket instead of the discounted ticket. Some saving, that!