The National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Staff Side has submitted its recommendations for the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The proposals seek major revisions in salary structures, allowances, and benefits for central government employees.
One of the key recommendations is the merger of certain pay scales to address anomalies in salary progression and streamline career growth. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had recently invited suggestions from the Staff Side after the government approved the formation of the 8th Pay Commission last month.
Merger of Pay Scales Proposed
Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary of NC-JCM Staff Side, has put forward a proposal to merge pay levels for employees in Levels 1 to 6. Currently, the pay structure consists of 18 levels, with Level 1 employees earning ₹18,000 per month, while Level 18 employees receive ₹2,50,000 per month.
The suggested mergers are as follows:
- Level 1 with Level 2 (₹18,000 with ₹19,900)
- Level 3 with Level 4 (₹25,500 with ₹29,200)
- Level 5 with Level 6 (₹29,200 with ₹35,400)
If implemented, the revised basic pay for Level 1 employees could increase significantly, reaching up to ₹51,480 under an expected fitment factor of 2.86. Similarly, merged salaries for other levels could rise as follows:
- Level 3 and Level 4: ₹72,930
- Level 5 and Level 6: ₹1,01,244
This move is expected to reduce stagnation in career progression and provide better financial stability for employees.
Demands for DA Merger and Interim Relief
Apart from salary restructuring, the Staff Side has strongly advocated for merging Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with basic pay and pensions. The proposal suggests that a certain percentage of DA/DR should be incorporated into the pay structure to increase take-home salaries and pensions, mitigating the impact of inflation.
The Council has also demanded Interim Relief for government employees and pensioners before the final implementation of the 8th CPC recommendations. This would provide immediate financial support amid rising living costs.
Pension Reforms and Restoration of Defined Benefit Scheme
The Staff Side has recommended the following pension reforms:
- Reducing the pension restoration period from 15 years to 12 years.
- Implementing the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s recommendation to increase pensions every five years.
- Restoring the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021) for employees recruited after 2004.
The current pension system is contributory, and the JCM Staff Side is pushing for the return of a guaranteed pension scheme, which existed before 2004.
Government’s Next Steps
The 8th Pay Commission panel is expected to be formed this month, consisting of three members, including a chairman. The commission will submit its report within 12 months, after which the government will finalize the salary and pension revisions for over 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners.
The NC-JCM has requested a Standing Committee Meeting before finalizing the Terms of Reference to ensure these proposals are discussed in detail. If accepted, the recommendations could bring significant salary hikes, pension reforms, and improved financial security for government employees.
Conclusion
The 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the future pay structure of central government employees. With discussions underway, all eyes are now on the government’s response to these demands, which could have a far-reaching impact on millions of employees and pensioners across the country.
