New Time Scale Policy for Civil Servants in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Step Towards Career Growth
Published on November 5, 2024
The Gilgit-Baltistan Government recently issued an Office Memorandum detailing a new policy for time scale promotions aimed at civil servants in the region. Effective from September 26, 2024, this policy applies to civil servants in grades BPS-01 to BPS-16, enabling them to receive a higher pay scale three times during their career. This initiative provides a significant opportunity for career progression, ensuring that diligent employees are rewarded with increased benefits and a structured growth path.
Policy Breakdown and Eligibility Requirements
Under this new policy, civil servants will be eligible for time scale promotions as follows:
- First Time Scale: After completing 10 years of service in the current substantive pay scale.
- Second Time Scale: After 8 years of service following the first time scale or last promotion.
- Third Time Scale: After another 8 years of service following the second time scale or last promotion.
However, eligibility for each time scale is contingent on fulfilling specific conditions, including completing the requisite length of service, having a clean performance record, and obtaining recommendations from the Time Scale Committee (TSC) within each department. Additionally, the completion of required service length is a fundamental criterion for promotion, and departments must ensure the establishment of a TSC to oversee the evaluation and recommendation process.
Key Policy Provisions
The Office Memorandum outlines several essential provisions designed to clarify and standardize the time scale promotion process:
- The time scale promotion will not be considered equivalent to a traditional promotion, as it does not confer a new post or higher rank under the Civil Servants Act, 2011.
- Pay and allowances for the new time scale will be fixed at a higher rate without any pre-mature increment.
- Employees promoted under this policy will retain their substantive pay scale and will not lose annual increment benefits.
- Time scale promotions are permissible only three times in an employee's career, and any missed promotion opportunities will be forfeited.
- Extraordinary leaves will not contribute to the length of service calculation for time scale eligibility.
Additional Guidelines and Restrictions
The policy also includes a few specific clauses to guide the administration of time scale benefits:
- If a civil servant is promoted to a higher grade before receiving a time scale, the length of service is calculated from the actual date of promotion.
- Civil servants in lower grades (BPS-1 to BPS-4) have the option to choose between retaining their old placement or opting for the new time scale policy.
- As a one-time concession, the time scale calculation will consider the current pay scale, allowing employees to benefit without additional delays.
Personal up-gradation under the previous up-gradation policy is now discontinued, emphasizing the importance of the time scale policy as the primary path for career advancement among civil servants in grades BPS-01 to BPS-16.
Conclusion
This new time scale policy reflects the Gilgit-Baltistan Government's commitment to the professional development of its civil servants. By providing a structured approach to promotions, this policy aims to motivate employees, fostering a work culture based on performance and dedication. The policy not only offers financial benefits but also promotes job satisfaction and loyalty among civil servants, contributing to the overall efficiency of the public sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.