02-17-2008, 09:52 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Armed forces to get huge pay hike</b>
New Delhi, Jan 22 (PTI) The armed forces are expected to get a big pay hike, with Defence Minister A K Antony today suggesting the Sixth Pay Commission was likely to favourably consider their demand for 2.5 times raise.
Expressing concern over rapidly falling enrollments in armed forces academies and shortage of officers, Antony attributed this to pay packets being better in the private sector.
"Children these days have many options and the pay packets are much better outside than what the armed forces are offering," he told newsmen on the sidelines of a function to felicitate National Bravery award winning children here.
"For the first time the armed forces have put their best foot forward by presenting unified proposals to the Sixth Pay Commission," the Defence Minister said and expressed optimism that men in battle fatigues "would get a better deal this time".
The armed forces have sought 2.5 times hike in salaries and perks for its men.
Antony also said his ministry would soon approach the Central government for approval of the second phase of married accommodation project to meet the shortfall in accommodation for large number of soldiers who are living away from their families.
"Government will work on war-footing to execute the housing projects," he said.
Turning to feats of bravery exhibited by award winning children, Antony said their achievements were as great and comparable to armed forces guarding the borders in inhospitable terrain.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
New Delhi, Jan 22 (PTI) The armed forces are expected to get a big pay hike, with Defence Minister A K Antony today suggesting the Sixth Pay Commission was likely to favourably consider their demand for 2.5 times raise.
Expressing concern over rapidly falling enrollments in armed forces academies and shortage of officers, Antony attributed this to pay packets being better in the private sector.
"Children these days have many options and the pay packets are much better outside than what the armed forces are offering," he told newsmen on the sidelines of a function to felicitate National Bravery award winning children here.
"For the first time the armed forces have put their best foot forward by presenting unified proposals to the Sixth Pay Commission," the Defence Minister said and expressed optimism that men in battle fatigues "would get a better deal this time".
The armed forces have sought 2.5 times hike in salaries and perks for its men.
Antony also said his ministry would soon approach the Central government for approval of the second phase of married accommodation project to meet the shortfall in accommodation for large number of soldiers who are living away from their families.
"Government will work on war-footing to execute the housing projects," he said.
Turning to feats of bravery exhibited by award winning children, Antony said their achievements were as great and comparable to armed forces guarding the borders in inhospitable terrain.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->