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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday called upon government employees to work towards empowering the underprivileged socially and economically, thereby eliminating inequality in society.
Speaking at the "Our Felicitation to the Chief Minister" event organized by the State Government Employees' Association, the CM emphasized his support for government employees. The Chief Minister highlighted that during his tenure in 2018, the 6th Pay Commission recommendations were implemented, and more recently, in 2024, the 7th Pay Commission recommendations were also enforced. He recalled implementing the 4th Pay Commission's recommendations when he served as Finance Minister during J.H. Patel's government. Siddaramaiah expressed that having had the opportunity to implement the recommendations of three Pay Commissions, he has always been supportive of government employees. "The implementation of the 6th Pay Commission's recommendations cost the government Rs10,500 crores, and the current 7th Pay Commission's recommendations will incur an expenditure of over Rs20,000 crores," he said. The CM mentioned that Basavanna, Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi envisioned a just society, and it is the collective responsibility of all to realize their dream. He stressed that by working together, the welfare of the state's people can be safeguarded, and it is the responsibility of government employees to ensure that government policies and welfare programs reach the poor. Recalling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's words, Siddaramaiah noted that while political independence had been achieved, true freedom would only come when the marginalized and underprivileged are empowered socially and economically. He emphasized that the opportunity to bring about positive change in society rests with elected representatives and government employees, and it is everyone's responsibility to build a prosperous society by empowering the poor. The CM assured that the government has always taken a positive stance regarding the demands of government employees. He mentioned that a committee has been formed to review the withdrawal of the New Pension Scheme and the reintroduction of the old pension scheme, and appropriate action will be taken once the report is received. Additionally, the implementation of the Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini scheme, filling of vacant positions, and addressing teachers' issues will be prioritized. The CM reiterated that while the government is committed to addressing the demands of its employees, it is also responsible for spending taxpayers' money judiciously. (ANI)
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