In a noteworthy stride, the outgoing government, concluding its term today, has introduced a substantial 50 percent surge in daily travel and mileage allowances for government employees engaged in official responsibilities. The Ministry of Finance officially disclosed this pivotal update on Tuesday.
Under the revamped scheme, the highest special rate now stands at Rs. 7,200 daily for Grade 22 personnel, followed by Rs. 6,000 for Grade 21, and Rs. 4,920 for Grades 19 and 20, for domestic travel.
Concurrently, the maximum daily allowance for Grade 17 and 18 employees is now set at Rs. 3,840, while Grades 12 to 16 will receive Rs. 2,160. Grades 5 to 11 have been raised to Rs. 1,320, and Grades 1 to 4 will now be eligible for Rs. 1,200 per day.
Effective from July 1, this increase encompasses a broad spectrum of grade levels. Transportation expenses have been adjusted as well, with a 50 percent surge in car and motorcycle fares. Furthermore, per-kilometer mileage allowances for different modes of transportation, including personal cars, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles, and public transit, have also received a 50 percent hike.
For employees in Grades 17 and higher, air travel costs will be reimbursed based on actual expenditures, while the conveyance of personal belongings during retirement or transfer has been raised to Rs. 0.03 per kilogram per kilometer.
These updated daily allowance rates will be applicable to specified locations, encompassing major cities and towns nationwide. For other off-site locations, regular daily allowance rates have also been subject to a 50 percent increment.
The government’s decision to revise these allowances aims to provide better compensation to its workforce, accounting for the increasing costs of travel and lodging. These changes are projected to positively impact government employees at various echelons, facilitating their official responsibilities and travel prerequisites.