Proposals for the ninth pay scale have yet to be finalised, despite several reports suggesting they were being prepared for presentation to the Cabinet.

Officials said one or two more secretary-level meetings would be held before the pay scale is ready.

At least two reliable sources in the Secretariat confirmed to The Daily Star that finalising the pay scale is proving to be difficult as the government faces pressure to implement the promise amid a global war-induced recession and a sluggish domestic economy.

A top government policymaker, seeking anonymity, said the work was in its final stages and a decision to place it before the Cabinet would be made soon, though no exact date had been set.

Another source said benefits and facilities for judges and armed forces members are usually higher than those of the executive branch. A detailed analysis of this difference has now been completed, clearing the way for the proposal to go before the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Secretariat employees have shown keen interest in updates on the pay scale. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also voiced annoyance, telling Prothom Alo yesterday, “Different media outlets are reporting on the pay scale in different ways. I will speak on this matter only once.”

On April 21, a 10-member committee headed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani was formed to recommend the new pay structure. Members include the principal secretary to the prime minister, finance secretary, public administration secretary, law secretary, defence secretary, secondary and higher education secretary, health services secretary, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, and the controller general of accounts.