📝 Stepping-Up of Pay: Punjab Government’s Stand on Senior–Junior Pay Anomalies
The Department of Finance, Government of Punjab, has issued fresh instructions addressing long-standing concerns regarding stepping-up of pay in cases where senior employees are drawing less pay than their juniors. This situation, often arising after promotions, pay revisions, or changes in ACP (Assured Career Progression) benefits, creates discrepancies that require administrative redressal. 👉 Stepping-Up Circular PDF
🔍 Background: What is a Stepping-Up Case?
A stepping-up scenario occurs when a senior government employee finds their pay fixed at a lower amount than that of a junior employee in the same cadre, often due to differences in date of promotion, ACP benefits, or pay fixation options exercised under various pay revisions.
To ensure fairness, earlier instructions such as Notification No. 6/46/10-5FP2/1555206/1 dated 22.08.2019 allowed senior employees to get their pay stepped up to match that of their juniors, under specific conditions.
📢 New Clarification: Status Post 6th Punjab Pay Commission
With the implementation of the 6th Punjab Pay Commission, effective from 01.01.2016, a new pay structure has been introduced. However, the government has clarified that the new ACP Scheme (which often directly impacts pay progression and anomalies) is still under consideration.
In light of this, the Department of Finance has temporarily put all stepping-up cases on hold until a final decision regarding the revised ACP Scheme is announced.
⚠️ Key Takeaway: No new stepping-up of pay for senior employees will be processed until the revised ACP Scheme is finalized.
🧾 Compliance Instructions
All departments, district authorities, and relevant financial officers have been instructed to strictly comply with this directive. Departments have been advised not to entertain or process stepping-up cases until further orders.
The circular was officially dispatched to:
- All Special Chief Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries,
- All Heads of Departments and Commissioners,
- Punjab and Haryana High Court and District Judiciary,
- District Treasury Officers and Department of Personnel.
📎 Final Thoughts
While the directive may delay relief to many affected employees, it reflects the government’s intention to ensure uniformity and fairness through a well-structured ACP Scheme. Employees and unions are advised to wait for the formal notification of the revised ACP policy, which will hopefully resolve many existing anomalies in a comprehensive manner.
For official reference, you can download the full circular here 👉 Stepping-Up Circular PDF
