Letter to Dharmendra Pradhan Ji regarding implementation 7th Pay Commission in the research institutions

Dear Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji,

I am writing to bring to your esteemed attention a pressing issue concerning the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission in the research institutions supported by the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR).

As you are aware, the ICSSR funds twenty-four research institutes and six regional centers across India to promote social science research in the country. While the main body of the ICSSR is getting the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission, the same has not been extended to these research institutes and regional centers eight years after its adoption. In 2022, the Ministry had set up a committee to look into this matter, but it is not clear what the status of this committee is and what its recommendations were. It should be noted that all ICSSR institutes were granted previous central pay revisions, including the Sixth Pay Commission.

The non-implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission has adversely impacted the research capacity of these institutes. Some faculty have left their positions and many posts continue to be vacant since the meagre pay has disincentivized qualified applicants from applying to them.

This situation is extremely concerning. Such delays not only hinder progress but also demoralize our country's researchers and academics. I respectfully urge your intervention in ensuring the timely implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission in the research institutions supported by the ICSSR. Prompt action in this regard will reaffirm the commitment to creating a robust research ecosystem in India.

I trust that you will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves. I look forward to your kind response and resolution of the issue at the earliest.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely.

( Digvijaya Singh)