Services Chiefs unhappy with committee to look into pay issues

New Delhi, Aug 2 (ANI): The three Services Chiefs on Thursday collectively opposed the composition of a committee to address pay-related issues and demanded the inclusion of their representative in it, saying it only comprises of bureaucrats.

The three chiefs have communicated their concerns in writing to Defence Minister A.K. Antony, with Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma meeting him personally on Wednesday to stress on the need for having a Services' representative in the panel.

The high-level committee headed by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth is looking into the main demands of the Services such as elevation of all Lt Gen-rank officers to a higher pay grade.

The Navy Chief, who is the senior most of the three Service Chiefs, has been at the forefront of raising the demands of the Services and has made several representations to the government in this regard.

The committee was formed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on July 13 after Antony wrote a letter to him on June 25, stating that there was discontent among serving and retired soldiers over anomalies in pay and pension issues.

The six-member committee is expected to finalise its recommendations and submit its report to the Prime Minister by August 8. (ANI)