Radhakrishna Sadien: "The PRB Must Be Reformed and Gain Independence"

Radhakrishna Sadien emphasizes the urgent need for reform in the Pay Research Bureau (PRB), which is responsible for reviewing the salaries and conditions of service for civil servants. With the anticipation of the PRB report creating unrest among the 90,000 public sector employees, Sadien expresses disappointment over the prolonged wait and the lack of clear communication following previous government assurances regarding the report's release and implementation.

The PRB was established to assess salary structures and service conditions within the public sector, yet it has faced significant delays, with the last report still unpublished after three years. Sadien questions the efficiency of the current PRB operations, citing the need for modern tools and training to address salary challenges effectively. He underscores the importance of fair compensation for civil servants, noting the disparity between public and private sector salaries and the adverse effects on employees' livelihoods.

He argues that the government must lead by example in providing decent wages and working conditions to its employees, especially considering that many civil servants are solely reliant on their salaries without the option for secondary employment. The ongoing uncertainty regarding salary adjustments, particularly in light of the rising cost of living, raises concerns about employee morale and productivity within the public sector.

Sadien calls for the PRB and the National Remuneration Board (NRB) to operate on equal footing, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in public sector remuneration, and urging the government to prioritize the well-being of its employees. Ultimately, he hopes for a swift resolution that will restore trust and meet the expectations of the public servants who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.