A major meeting was held on February 10, 2025, where important discussions took place about the 8th Pay Commission (CPC) and the demands of Central Government employees and pensioners. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) and attended by key representatives from the National Council (JCM), which represents government employees.
What is the 8th Pay Commission (CPC)?
The Pay Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending salary, pension, and other benefits for government employees. The 8th CPC will decide the next salary structure and benefits for employees and pensioners.
Key Issues Discussed in the Meeting
1. Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
Employee representatives demanded a higher minimum wage based on modern living standards. They argued that:
- The size of a family should be considered as 5 members instead of 3 while calculating the minimum wage.
- The cost of food, housing, and essential needs has increased, so salaries must be updated accordingly.
2. Pension Reforms & Benefits for Retired Employees
The representatives made several demands for pensioners, including:
- Restoration of the commuted pension after 12 years (currently, it takes longer).
- Regular pension increases every 5 years, based on recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
- Raising the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to ₹3000 per month to help pensioners cover medical expenses.
3. Old Pension Scheme (OPS) vs. New Pension Scheme (NPS)
Employees demanded the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), which provides a guaranteed pension for life. Many employees are unhappy with the current New Pension Scheme (NPS), which depends on market investments.
4. Improving Salaries & Career Growth
Government employees raised concerns about:
- Merging lower pay scales to reduce salary gaps between different levels.
- Improving salaries for skilled workers (MTS category) based on their qualifications and responsibilities.
- Better promotion opportunities, especially in departments where career growth is slow.
5. Support for Railway & Defence Employees
Employees in Indian Railways and Defence work in risky environments, and they demanded:
- Better safety measures due to frequent workplace accidents.
- Implementation of Risk Allowance for Defence employees.
- Tax exemption on Running Allowance for Railway employees.
6. Education & Family Benefits
Representatives also demanded:
- Children Education Allowance & Hostel Subsidy to be extended up to post-graduation and professional courses.
- Higher financial support for employees’ families due to increasing education costs.
7. Interim Relief & DA Merger
Before the 8th CPC takes effect, employees want:
- 50% Dearness Allowance (DA) to be merged with basic salary to provide immediate financial relief.
- Interim relief (a temporary salary increase) until the final salary revision is approved.
Government’s Response
The Secretary of DOPT acknowledged these issues and assured that:
- The government will hold more meetings to discuss these demands in detail.
- The feedback from employees will be carefully considered while finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC.
What Happens Next?
- The National Council (JCM) will issue a circular to all employee unions asking for their detailed suggestions.
- A Memorandum with all demands will be submitted to the 8th Pay Commission for consideration.
- The government is expected to announce the official Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC soon.
This meeting was an important step towards securing better salaries, pension benefits, and working conditions for Central Government employees and pensioners. The discussions will continue, and employees are hopeful that their demands will be met when the 8th Pay Commission is implemented.
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