Following a significant move by the Centre under the 7th Pay Commission, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) are now entitled to fly while travelling on work.
“Level 6 to 8 of Pay Matrix to be entitled for air travel. Level 5A of defence forces to be clubbed with Level 6 for travelling entitlements,” the gazette notification issued by the Government on allowances said.
The Union Cabinet had recently approved the recommendations made by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) with minor modifications. All allowances are effective from July 1.
Level 6 to 8 pertain to the three ranks of JCOs — Naib Subedar, Subedar and Subedar Major — in the Army, and their equivalents in the Navy and Air Force.
Level 5A is only in the Navy, forming an intermediary level between Junior Warrant Officer and Warrant Officer in the Air Force. “This entitlement is for travel on temporary or permanent movement,” one Air Force JCO said.
JCOs constitute a small fraction in the military and form the bridge between the officers and Other Ranks (ORs).
