8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM Pushes for Standing Committee Meeting

Key Highlights

The National Council (Staff Side) JCM has forwarded the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
The Staff Side has requested a Standing Committee Meeting before finalizing the ToR.
The proposed ToR focuses on revising pay structures, allowances, and retirement benefits for various categories of Central Government employees.

NC-JCM Submits Terms of Reference for 8th CPC

In response to a letter from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) Staff Side has submitted the proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

The letter, signed by Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC-JCM (Staff Side), emphasized the need for a Standing Committee Meeting to deliberate on the details before finalization.

Proposed Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC

The key points included in the proposed ToR are:

1. Pay Structure & Allowances

Review and recommend a revised pay structure for all categories of Central Government employees, including All India Services, Defence Forces, Para-Military Forces, Postal Employees (Gramin Dak Sevaks), and Union Territories personnel.
Consider merging non-viable pay scales to improve career progression.
Address anomalies in the MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) Scheme and recommend at least five promotions in service.

2. Minimum Wage & National Pay Policy

Determine a decent and dignified minimum wage based on the Dr. Aykroyd formula and the 15th Indian Labour Conference recommendations.
Consider changes in cost of living and family consumption patterns while formulating the pay structure.

3. Dearness Allowance (DA) & Interim Relief

Merge DA with basic pay and pension to ensure better financial security for employees and pensioners.
Recommend Interim Relief for Central Government employees until the implementation of the 8th CPC recommendations.

4. Retirement Benefits & Pension Reforms

Revise pension, gratuity, and family pension benefits.
Restore the defined pension scheme (CCS Pension Rules 1972) for employees recruited after January 1, 2004.
Implement parity in pension between past and future retirees.

5. Medical & Welfare Benefits

Improve CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) facilities, ensuring cashless and hassle-free medical services for employees and pensioners, including Postal Pensioners.
Recommend enhancements to Children’s Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy up to post-graduation level.

6. Special Allowances for Risk & Hardship

Introduce Risk and Hardship Allowances for Railway employees working round the clock.
Provide Special Risk Allowance, Insurance Coverage, and Compensation for Defence Civilian Employees involved in hazardous duties like manufacturing and storage of arms, explosives, and chemicals.

Final Decision Awaits Standing Committee Discussion

The Staff Side has urged the government to convene a Standing Committee Meeting of the NC-JCM to discuss these recommendations in detail before finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC.

The 8th Pay Commission, expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, will play a crucial role in determining wages, allowances, and benefits for millions of Central Government employees and pensioners across India.