New Delhi, Feb 2: Reports claiming an upcoming hike in the wages of lower-level government employees have no basis to them, said a senior employee union leader, who also acted as negotiator with the government over 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

The veteran unionist, who is also a member of the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) -- the consolidated body of central government employee unions -- told Latestly, "There is  no veracity whatsoever of reports claiming an upcoming wage hike for lower-level employees."

"We have received no such updates. I urge the digital publishing platforms to refrain from spreading rumours," he said, while speaking on the condition of anonymity. He also appealed the government employees to remain cautious while reading news related to 7th Pay Commission on online portals.

The reports referred to by the NJCA member claim that the government is working on a methodology to raise the basic salary of employees upto the pay matrix level-5. The hike could come into effect from April this year, the unverified reports claim.

Dissatisfied with the roll-out of 7th Pay Commission recommendations, a section of the central government employees have been eagerly awaiting modifications to the incumbent pay module, which could positively alter the fitment factor for determining their wages.

Meanwhile, the NJCA chief Shiv Gopal Mishra claims that he has been continuously petitioning the government to hike the minimum wage from Rs 18,000 to Rs 26,000. "Although we had received assurance from the Finance Ministry that the matter will be looked into, we are highly disappointed with the unprecedented delay," he said.

Commenting on the Union Budget 2018, Mishra said the employees are "hurt" with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley making no provisions for them. Not only the government's workforce, "but the entire salaried class is disappointed," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 02, 2018 10:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).