Govt increases PLA salary

The meeting of the council of ministers on Sunday decided to increase the salary of the Maoist combatants by 66.6 percent, amending the budget for fiscal year 2065-66.

As per the new decision, the PLA combatants will not get Rs 5000 as monthly salary. Previously they were entitled to Rs 3000 a month. The salary is in addition to their daily ration allowance of Rs 90 per day.

While presenting new year's budget at the parliament, Finance Minister Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai had announced to increase the salary of the government employees but had remained silent over the increase in salary of PLA, who number well over 19,000.

The decision was taken amidst protests by ministers representing CPN (UML), Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and Sadbhawana Party. nepalnews.com ia Oct 06 08