In a recent announcement by the finance ministry, the government of Pakistan has increased the ad-hoc relief allowance for government employees. This increase is aimed at providing better financial benefits to the hardworking individuals serving the nation.
The notification states that the ad-hoc relief allowance has been raised by 30% to 35% for different grades of employees.
Adhoc Relief Allowance Increase
According to the official notification, government employees up to grade-16 will receive a 35% increase in their ad-hoc relief allowance. This substantial raise demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the lower grades and ensuring a better standard of living for employees at these levels.
Similarly, for government officials ranging from grade-17 to grade-22, the ad-hoc relief allowance has been raised by 30%. This increase aims to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of higher-ranking government employees and provide them with improved financial stability.
Inclusion of Contract Employees and Contingent Pay Workers
It is important to note that contract employees and contingent pay workers will also benefit from the increased ad-hoc relief allowance. This step highlights the government's recognition of the contributions made by these individuals and their valuable role in various government projects and initiatives.
Extending the Allowance to Federal Government Employees
The increased ad-hoc relief allowance is not limited to specific departments or sectors. All federal government employees, including armed forces personnel, civil armed forces, and civilian employees drawing salaries from defense estimates, will also receive the allowance. This inclusive approach ensures that employees across various government entities are equally rewarded for their services.
Implementation and Taxation
The notification specifies that the increased allowance will be implemented from July 1 of the current year. However, it is essential to note that the ad-hoc relief allowance received by employees will be subject to income tax.
This taxation is in line with the country's tax regulations and ensures the proper allocation of resources to sustain the increased allowances.
Allowance Distribution and Limitations
Government employees will receive the adhoc relief allowance during regular offs and leaves preparatory to retirement. However, it cannot be availed during 'extraordinary' leaves.
It is important for employees to be aware of these limitations to effectively plan their finances and understand the circumstances under which the allowance can be accessed.
Furthermore, the adhoc relief allowance will not be considered for pension, gratuity, or house rent calculations. This exclusion is consistent with the existing policies governing the determination of these benefits and ensures that the increased allowance does not impact the calculation of other entitlements.
Additionally, during the deputation of employees abroad, the allowance will not be provided. However, upon their return and subsequent appointment to their respective departments, they will once again receive the increased ad-hoc relief allowance.
This approach aims to maintain financial stability for employees throughout their tenure, irrespective of their temporary assignments abroad.
Allocation and Supplementary Grants
The ministries and divisions within the government will be responsible for providing the increased ad-hoc relief allowance to their respective employees. These allowances will be distributed from the allocated budgets of each ministry or division.
It is important to note that no supplementary grants have been provided to the ministries and divisions specifically for the payment of the ad-hoc relief allowance. This indicates that the government has ensured the inclusion of this increase within the existing budgetary framework.
Orderly Allowance and Other Enhancements
Apart from the ad-hoc relief allowance increase, the finance ministry has also raised the orderly allowance for officials from grade-20 to grade-22. The orderly allowance, previously set at Rs17,500 per month, has been raised to Rs25,000 per month.
This enhancement aims to provide better financial support to officials at higher grades and acknowledges their additional responsibilities and duties.
In addition to the orderly allowance, certain other allowances have also been addressed in the notification. The rates of deputation, additional charge, and special pay current charge allowances remain the same.
However, the maximum amount for these allowances has been increased from Rs12,000 to Rs20,000. This adjustment ensures that employees who are entitled to these allowances receive a more competitive compensation package.
Conveyance Allowance and EOBI Pension Increase
The conveyance allowance for disabled employees has witnessed a significant increase of 100%. Previously set at Rs2,000, it has now been raised to Rs4,000. This augmentation is aimed at providing better support to disabled employees, ensuring their mobility and accessibility.
Another notable change is the increase in the Employee's Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pension. The pension amount has been raised from Rs8,500 to Rs10,000. This step reflects the government's commitment to improving the welfare of retired employees and providing them with a higher pension to support their livelihoods.
Easy Withdrawal of EOBI Pension
To facilitate easy access to the increased EOBI pension, the institution has issued cards to all its registered pensioners. Through the EOBI card, pensioners can conveniently withdraw their pension amount from ATMs and other easy money facilities in any city or town across the country.
This initiative aims to simplify the pension withdrawal process, ensuring that pensioners receive their rightful benefits without any hassles.
The recent notification by the finance ministry regarding the increase in ad-hoc relief allowances for government employees demonstrates the government's commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its employees.
The raised allowances provide financial stability and better support to government personnel across different grades, ensuring a higher standard of living for all.
It is important for government employees to familiarize themselves with the details of the notification, including the implementation date, taxation aspects, limitations, and the distribution process of the allowances.
By staying informed, employees can effectively plan their finances and make the most of the increased ad-hoc relief allowance.
Overall, the government's decision to enhance the ad-hoc relief allowance and other related benefits reflects its dedication to the welfare and well-being of its employees.
This comprehensive approach reinforces the government's position as a responsible employer and creates a positive impact on the lives of thousands of individuals serving the nation.
