NT Reporter
Mapusa/Pernem
Panchayat workers across the state staged protests on Tuesday, demanding the implementation of 7th Pay Commission scales, a revision of the staffing pattern in village panchayats and pension and other social security benefits.
Under the banner of the All Goa Panchayat Workers’ Union (AGPWU), workers submitted representations to the Block Development Officers in Bardez and Pernem.
The union demanded that 7th Pay Commission pay scales and benefits be extended to panchayat employees with effect from January 1, 2016. It said panchayat employees continued to draw salaries under the 6th Pay Commission, in force since April 1, 2008, while employees of several government corporations and autonomous bodies had received 7th Pay Commission benefits.
The union said the Panchayat Minister had assured the Assembly on July 28, 2025, that panchayat workers would receive the benefits. It also said workers had been assured in 2019 that revised pay scales would be implemented after the Common Cadre policy was gazetted. Workers also sought a high-powered committee to review the staffing pattern in panchayats.
They demanded pension benefits on a par with other government employees and family pension provisions for families of employees who die in service or after retirement. The union also demanded timely government grants to enable around 120 financially weaker gram panchayats to pay employee salaries and regularisation of daily wage, temporary and casual workers.
