The government today approved a proposal paving the way for release of arrears due to teachers of state-run colleges and universities following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission.
The Union Cabinet gave its approval to de-link release of assistance to state governments from the retirement age, as this condition was in the way of the release of arrears to the states.
The state governments had been opposing linking the retirement age issue with the release of arrears arguing that it would put additional burden on them. A committee of secretaries had also supported the demand of the state governments.
According to sources, arrears to the tune of Rs. 8,000 crore are likely to be paid in three to four instalments, benefiting close to four lakh teachers.
The arrears were due as the Centre (which will bear 80 per cent of the increased arrears) had asked the States in 2008 to follow the pay scales that centrally funded institutes introduced in 2008 with retrospective effect from January 1, 2006.
