U Hla Thein, Chairman of the Information and Documentation Committee of Rakhine State told Mizzima on August 6 that the state government will request the Union Government for a two-fold increase in the salary of government servants in three townships, namely Butitaung, Rathitaung and Pauktaw.
U Hla Thein said that the reason behind move is difficult travel and work conditions that employees have to put up with in these townships.
He said, “Whether they are from the other cities or Rakhine state, the employees do not want to live here for a long period. So, whenever there is a chance, they submit requests for transfers and move away. The employees live here only when they are forced to complete duties. The townships are very remote. Therefore the staff posted here should be incentivized with more salaries.”
There are 17 townships in Rakhine state. Manaung and Taungpyoletwey townships are considered to be remote areas due poor transportation system and limited connectivity. At present, employees who are posted in three Rakhine state townships, Maungdaw, Manaung and Taungpyoletwey are being paid twice the normal salary.
Similarly, government employees posted at nine townships in Chin State that have been identified as remote areas receive double the usual salary. Therefore, a request will be made for the three townships in Rakhine said U Hla Thein.
“After recent conflicts in Rakhine state, female school teachers, and health workers are hesitant to travel and work in the area. The education staffs are still apprehensive. As a result, there is negative impact on health and education of the local residents”, U Aung Myit Htun, Chairman of The National Foundation, Maungdaw township told Mizzima.
