Software complexity delays pay-scale gazette

Software-related complications in the government’s digital salary system have emerged as a new hurdle in implementing the ninth pay scale for public servants, delaying publication of the gazette notification, according to ministry sources.

Although the government earlier announced that the new pay structure would be implemented in phases from July 1, the gazette has not yet been issued due to administrative and technical difficulties, the sources said.

The delay has created uncertainty among government employees and retirees over salary increments, allowances and post-retirement benefits.

Officials familiar with the process said the government needs additional time to complete the gazette while ensuring coordination between the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of Public Administration and the digital salary management system.

If the process moves according to the revised timeline, the gazette may be issued by mid-September or in the last week of September, sources said.However, officials said the delay in publishing the gazette would not deprive employees of the benefits from the announced effective date.

The new pay structure is expected to take effect retrospectively from July 1, meaning government officials and employees would receive arrears along with increased salaries and allowances once implementation begins.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury earlier announced the new pay scale during his budget speech for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The government said the pay revision would be implemented in phases to adjust public sector salaries with rising living costs.

Sources in the Finance Ministry, Public Administration Ministry and other relevant bodies said the draft framework of the new salary structure is close to completion. However, the government is working to ensure that the revised structure remains aligned with fiscal capacity, administrative requirements and the existing digital salary system.

Officials concerned said the current software platform has become one of the main obstacles to immediate implementation, as the system needs to be updated to include revised basic salaries, allowances, grade-wise calculations and pension-related adjustments.

The delay has raised concern among employees who were expecting the new benefits from the beginning of the fiscal year.

Retired employees are also waiting for clarity on how the revised pay structure will affect pension and other post-retirement benefits.According to officials, the gazette will be issued once the technical adjustments and administrative approvals are completed.