This means that each resident of the state will have to pay approximately ₹ 110 every year for the well-being of these government employees
The Government of Madhya Pradesh recently gave a green signal to a proposal to raise pension of state government employees. This move will raise the pensions of over 4 lakh retirees by more than two and a half times and will cost ₹ 850 crore to the taxpayers of Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, the increase in the pension is almost double than the amount recommended by the Seventh Pay Commission.
Clearly, the Government of Madhya Pradesh is feeling generous as they are benefitting over 4 lakh people. But these folks are already well-off and have a secure pension to live a convenient life, while on the other hand, the cost of this generosity is borne by each and every resident of the state.
The total population of Madhya Pradesh is estimated to be 7.8 crore as of 2017. This means that each resident of the state will have to pay approximately ₹ 110 every year for the well-being of these government employees.
This sacrifice on the part of the common resident costs them foregoing or economising on their daily basic expenses such as food, medicine, tuition, etc.And why shouldn’t they sacrifice to benefit a few lakh better-off state government pensioners? After all, the state elections are due in a few months. It’s the duty of every state resident to help the state government buy votes. Government employees form a strong vote-bank for the political parties. Before every election, the government comes up with such steps to appease them.
This money could have been spent on – Setting-up 21 world-class schools for 2,000 children, or – Building over 40 kms of four-lane highways, or – Setting-up around 4 fully-equipped tertiary care hospitals with 200 beds. Read more on Government Wastage