Public Service Pensions Bill 2020 Sets For Third Reading
By Landing Ceesay
The Public Service Pensions Bill 2020 that is before the National Assembly of the Gambia is set for a third reading, after consideration in the first and second readings.
The Bill seeks to achieve the cardinal principles of a highly motivated and performing Civil Service.
The Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia Dr. Isatou Touray, who tabled the Bill said as part of the Civil Service Reform Programme 2018-2027, the personnel administration regulations, rules and procedures must be in good and standard practices.
“In addition, as attraction, retention and attrition of highly trained and professionalised personnel is critical to the effective and efficient performance of the Civil Service, the Bill seeks to address these long-standing issues in the Civil Service. It is thus expected to promote effective service delivery across government through the motivation and retention of skilled and professional staff.
” Government, cognizant of the fact that in as much as it must provide decent pay for all public servants, it is equally important to guarantee a decent livelihood for retirees at the end of their active service. This is a key motivational factor for people to stay on their jobs and contribute effectively to any role they are assigned to carry out,” Dr Touray said.
She further stated that the Bill seeks to centralise the pension administration to make the process of pension and gratuity payment less cumbersome as it is currently the case.
The Gambian Vice President added that the Bill would repeal the 1950 Pensions Act and introduce a contributory pension scheme as opposed to the current Pensions Act, 1950.
“Thus, the Bill seeks to introduce a new procedure for the management administration and processing of retirement benefits for ensuring not only the improvement of pension entitlements, but also the efficiency of processing of pension payment,” she said.
The National Assembly earlier Monday considered the Bill with amendment and is set for a third reading on 21st February, 2022.
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