January 20: Discussing the proposed salary revision report, several National Council members said the pay revision should be implemented from July 2008. But according to the government report, the pay revision will be implemented from January 2009. This according to the government is to reduce the magnitude of cost.

Following this, the National Council member from Pemagatshel Jigmi Rinzin said the pay revision should be implemented from July 2008. This, he said is because house rents and prices of essential commodities have increased after the government announced the salary revision for the civil servants last year.

His submission was supported by the National Council members form Trashigang and Haa.

The Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu however said a minimum balance of payment reserve should be maintained to meet the immediate needs of the government.

The National Council member from Trashigang Sonam Kinga said while the raise is 35% across the board, the actual difference is huge between civil servants in the higher level and those in the lower rung. This, he said would further widen the income gap, which is against the government’s aim to reduce income disparity.

The Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu informed the house that with the present salary revision the income gap between the highest and the lowest level will be reduced to 6.74 times as compared to more than eight in the past.

The house also saw discussions on the need to revise the salary of the Prime Minister and the constitutional post holders.