7th Pay Commission Report:Allowances related to Knowledge Updates (Annual Allowance ,Book Allowance , Professional Update Allowance) Chapter 8.4
Allowances Covered
8.4.1 Alphabetical list of Allowances covered here is as under:
- Annual Allowance
- Book Allowance
- Professional Update Allowance
Present Position
8.4.2 This section covers the allowances granted to facilitate academic and research pursuits. They are discussed below.
Annual Allowance
8.4.3 This allowance is provided across ministries, to the teaching, non-teaching, public health sub-cadres and GDMOs having PG qualification, with a view to encourage academic and research pursuit. The existing rate is ₹1,500 pm for medical officers having PG qualification and ₹900 pm for medical officers not having PG qualification. There are demands for three- fold increase in the amount of the allowance.
Analysis and Recommendations
8.4.4 Since the allowance is already partially indexed to DA, it is recommended that the amount should be increased by 50 percent. The amount will further rise by 25 percent each time DA rises by 50 percent. The allowance should be extended to medical officers who are dentists and veterinarians.
Book Allowance
8.4.5 Book Allowance is granted to officer trainees of the Indian Foreign Service for purchase of books and study material. The allowance is in the nature of one-time grant of ₹15,000. No demands have been received regarding this allowance.
Analysis and Recommendations
8.4.6 The allowance should be permitted only for buying instructional material for learning a foreign language. No other recommendations are required.
Professional Update Allowance
8.4.7 This allowance is granted to Scientists/Engineers in certain scientific departments like Department of Atomic Energy, ISRO, DRDO, etc. to encourage these employees to obtain latest information and keep themselves update to widen their horizon of knowledge in their area of work. The present rates are as under:
| Grade Pay | Amount |
| 5400-7600 | ₹15000 pa |
| 8700-8900 | ₹30000 pa |
| >=10000 | ₹45000 pa |
8.4.8 There are demands for three-fold increase in the rate of the allowance.
Analysis and Recommendations
8.4.9 Since the allowance is already partially indexed to DA, it is recommended that the amount should be increased by 50 percent. The amount will further rise by 25 percent each time DA rises by 50 percent. It should be extended to DG, DRDO also.