With poll calculations dominating the UPA government's agenda, the more than four millionstrong central bureaucracy is in for a windfall. The Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations, given to the finance minister on Monday, could mean a revision in pay and allowances that can range from 40% to 60% if all benefits are taken into account. The recommendations are likely to be considered soon by the Cabinet. Finance minister P Chidambaram had made necessary elbow room in his Budget speech last month, while the railway budget included a provision for implementation of the report presented by Justice B N Srikrishna. The report is expected to be welcomed by the babus as well as defence and paramilitary employees. As reported earlier by TOI, the highest pay in the government has been pegged at Rs 90,000 for the cabinet secretary, while a secretary would draw Rs 80,000 a month. The three service chiefs would get the same salary as the cabinet secretary if the recommendations are accepted. Although the commission claimed a 1:12 lowest-to-highest pay ratio, the biggest beneficiaries would be officers of the level of joint secretary and above, giving the recommendations a pro-IAS tilt. The benefits for other central service officers, especially at director level, are not so attractive. The government would be pleased to offer benefits to the vast bureaucracy, seen as an important constituency. Just as farmers have a loan waiver and the middle class higher tax exemptions, the Pay Commission report is a sop for government servants. It is likely to be extended by state governments to their employees as well. Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Hooda had already promised to do so. There is cheer for subordinate staff as the panel has proposed to eventually scrap Group D services and start the government hierarchy from Group C. It has suggested a retraining system for those in Grade D for taking them to the higher scale. BABUS GET RICHER PAY OVERHAUL Minimum entry-level pay Rs 6,660; Cabinet secy, chiefs of army, navy and air force to get fixed pay of Rs 90,000 Number of grades reduced to 20 from 35. Each of four pay bands (two for Group A, one each for Groups B & C) to have grade pay, minimum of Rs 1,800 per month, max of Rs 13,000 Group D scrapped, employees to be retrained, assimilated into Group C ANNUAL INCREMENT 2.5% for all employees 3.5% for 20% of