The Island of the 13th instant reported the above news item and I write to commend the Judicial Officers’ Association for making the members of the Salaries & Cadres Commission wake up from deep slumber. A lot of harm to the public service and the people is being done by those colonial-minded officers who are neither knowledgeable of human resource management nor of human rights. Some of them think that their decision is just and fair and others must accept it without question. Please note that freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution. The public officers are entitled to question and satisfy themselves about the rational basis of decisions. No administrator can act arbitrarily.

As for the judges, their salaries must be enhanced. Judges all over the world receive higher salaries than the ministers and public officers. This is common knowledge and readily accepted. The USA rarely appoints judges who retire to posts other than those associated with justice and law. The reason is to endorse the concept of the independence of the judiciary. It is the judiciary that ensures the executive and administrative sectors function within their ambit and thereby protects the rights of the people.

It is sad to note that meritocracy has been ignored. It is commonplace today to give favoured treatment to those close to the powers that be at the expense of the deserved.

The Salaries and Cadres Commission has messed up the promotional system in their new scheme much to the disgust of public officers. Some are said to be without promotions despite their sustained good application and commitment to their duties. It could lead to psychological damage.

Those who have been evaluated as efficient receive lower salaries than those of dubious merit under the new scheme. It is sheer discrimination.

However, it is time for the President to appoint officers/consultants to this Commission from professionals experienced and knowledgeable in the field of Human Resource Management etc.

There’s no dearth in top quality professional material for appointment to this all important Commission.