Sound Steps

Kudos to Justice Pandian for his recommendations like enh-ancement of retirement age of employees to 60 years, which is justified due to improved health standards/longevity of life etc.

Green signalling `gratuity to resigning employees is also pragmatic and progressive, as resignation is neither a sin nor a stigma. To thwart resignation (hitherto a colonial legacy) offends the fundamental right to profession (Article 19), which covers the concomitant right to resign (Authorities had been ignoring even the apex courts direction in a case allowing gratuity payment to a resigning employee). By denying gratuity, the resignation was equated with dismissal (for misconduct) violating Articles 14 & 16. This anomaly has now been rightly removed.

Allowing 15 days paternity leave for husband employees is also a practical step.

But the Pay Commission sho-uld also face brickbats for retrogressive recommendations like slashing the staff strength by 30 per cent, abolishing 3.5 lakh vacant posts, freezing recruitment etc. India cannot be compared with any advanced country for these types of negative measures. The cherished theme of social justice with economic growth must remain the hallmark of any planning whatsoever.