Jaipur: The Rajasthan branch of the IAS Association has sought a nearly four-fold increase in the entry-level salary of IAS officers, proposing that basic pay be raised from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2 lakh a month before the 8th Central Pay Commission.In a memorandum submitted to the commission, the association cited the responsibilities handled by IAS officers from their first posting, including law and order, revenue administration, flagship govt programmes and disaster management. It also flagged frequent transfers, difficult postings, long working hours and continuous public accountability.The association met Chief Secretary Wednesday to discuss its demands. It argued that widening pay disparities with the private sector could affect the civil services’ ability to attract and retain top talent.Besides the pay hike, it sought a comprehensive revision of allowances and service benefits covering healthcare, travel, education, transfers, gadgets and remote working.A key demand is continuation of CGHS coverage for state-cadre IAS officers. Currently available during central deputation, the benefit lapses when officers return to their state cadre. The association has sought continued eligibility on payment of the prescribed subscription.It also proposed removing the Rs 9,000 monthly income ceiling, plus dearness relief, for dependent parents to qualify for CGHS. A fitness allowance of Rs 12,000 annually on actuals has also been sought.For Leave Travel Concession, it wants the four-year block for travel anywhere in India reduced to two years. Alternatively, officers should be allowed economy-class travel to a SAARC destination, with reimbursement capped at Rs 1.5 lakh per trip.Other demands include raising Children Education Allowance from Rs 2,812.50 to Rs 6,000 per child a month and hostel subsidy from Rs 8,437.50 to Rs 18,000. It has also sought school admission fee reimbursement up to Rs 40,000 per child, Rs 4,000 monthly medical allowance, Rs 15,000 home orderly allowance and gadget allowance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh every three years.The association further sought workspace support, higher transfer grants, concessional conveyance advances up to Rs 10 lakh and recognition of private-sector experience in career progression and pay.
