8th Central Pay Commission Terms of Reference : Key Proposals and Expectations of Staff Side NCJCM

Staff Side JCM Key Proposals to 8th Central Pay Commission Terms of Reference

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently invited suggestions from the Staff Side of the National Council JCM for finalizing the 8th Central Pay Commission Terms of Reference. In response, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra has submitted a detailed proposal outlining key areas that need attention.

8th Central Pay Commission: Key Proposals and Expectations

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently invited suggestions from the Staff Side of the National Council JCM for finalizing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). In response, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra has submitted a detailed proposal outlining key areas that need attention.

Key Areas of Focus in the Proposal

Pay Structure & Benefits

The proposal suggests a thorough review of pay scales, allowances, retirement benefits, and other facilities for various categories of central government employees, including:

• Central government employees (industrial and non-industrial)
• All India Services personnel
• Defense forces and paramilitary personnel
• Grameen Dak Sewaks (Postal Department)
• Union Territories personnel
• Employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department
• Supreme Court officers and employees
• Members of regulatory bodies (excluding RBI)
• Employees of central government autonomous bodies and institutions

Comprehensive Pay Revision

A revised pay structure should be implemented for all central government employees effective from January 1, 2026.

Living Wage Consideration

The 8th CPC must ensure that the minimum wage meets the standard of a “decent and dignified living wage,” in accordance with the recommendations of the 15th Indian Labour Conference (1957), with modifications based on the Dr. Aykroyd formula. The proposal also recommends increasing family unit consumption from 3 to 3.6 units for wage calculations.

What will be the Minimum Pay under the 8th CPC?– Read

Pay Scale Mergers

The proposal suggests merging non-viable pay scales for career progression:

• Level 1 with Level 2
• Level 3 with Level 4
• Level 5 with Level 6

Promotions & MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression)

• Address anomalies in the MACP scheme.
• Ensure at least five promotions during service with a well-defined hierarchical structure.
• Implement MACP in the promotional hierarchy.

Interim Relief & DA Merger

• Immediate interim relief for all central government employees and pensioners.
• Merger of a portion of Dearness Allowance (DA) with pay & pension.

7th CPC Anomalies Resolution

• Pending issues from the 7th CPC recommendations should be reviewed and resolved.

Enhancements in Retirement Benefits

• Improved pension schemes and gratuity benefits.
• Early restoration of the commuted portion of pension after 12 years.
• Implementation of Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations for enhanced pensions every five years.
• Parity between past and future pensioners.

Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme

• Reinstate the defined and non-contributory pension scheme under CCS (Pension Rules) 1972 (now 2021) for employees recruited on or after January 1, 2004.

Improved Medical Benefits

Enhancement of CGHS-related facilities.

• Provision of cashless and hassle-free medical facilities for employees and pensioners, including postal pensioners.

Education & Allowances

• Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy should be extended up to postgraduate levels.
• Restoration of advances that were previously abolished and introduction of new ones as per current needs.

Risk Allowances for Railway & Defense Employees

• Risk and hardship allowances for railway employees working in tough conditions.
• Special risk allowances, insurance coverage, and compensation for defense civilian employees handling hazardous materials like arms, ammunition, chemicals, and explosives.

Call for a Detailed Discussion

Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra has urged the Standing Committee of the NC-JCM to hold a detailed discussion before finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC.

The 8th CPC is expected to bring significant improvements in pay, allowances, and benefits for government employees. If the proposed changes are implemented, they could ensure a better quality of life, job satisfaction, and financial security for millions of central government employees and pensioners across India.

What are your thoughts on these proposals? Let us know in the comments below!

View the NCJCM Staff Side Letter pdf