The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently called for suggestions from the Staff Side of the National Council JCM to shape the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Responding promptly, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra submitted a detailed proposal highlighting crucial areas for consideration. Let’s dive into the key proposals and what they mean for central government employees.
Core Areas Highlighted in the Proposal
1. Revamping Pay Structure & Benefits
The proposal pushes for a comprehensive review of pay scales, allowances, retirement benefits, and other facilities across various employee categories, 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
- Indian Audit and Accounts Department staff
- Supreme Court officers and employees
- Members of regulatory bodies (excluding RBI)
- Employees of central government autonomous bodies and institutions
2. Comprehensive Pay Revision
A revised pay structure should be implemented for all central government employees, effective from January 1, 2026.
View the NCJCM Staff Side Letter pdf
3. Ensuring a Living Wage
The 8th CPC must ensure that the minimum wage aligns with a “decent and dignified living wage,” based on the 15th Indian Labour Conference (1957) and the Dr. Aykroyd formula. It also recommends increasing family unit consumption from 3 to 3.6 units for wage calculations.
4. Pay Scale Mergers
To streamline career progression, the proposal suggests merging certain pay scales:
- Level 1 with Level 2
- Level 3 with Level 4
- Level 5 with Level 6
5. Promotions & MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression)
Key suggestions include:
- Addressing anomalies in the MACP scheme.
- Ensuring at least five promotions during service with a clear hierarchical structure.
- Implementing MACP within the promotional hierarchy.
6. Interim Relief & DA Merger
- Immediate interim relief for all central government employees and pensioners.
- Merging a portion of Dearness Allowance (DA) with pay and pension.
7. Addressing 7th CPC Anomalies
It’s essential to review and resolve lingering issues from the 7th CPC recommendations.
8. Enhanced Retirement Benefits
Proposals include:
- Improved pension schemes and gratuity benefits.
- Early restoration of the commuted portion of the pension after 12 years.
- Implementing Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations for enhanced pensions every five years.
- Ensuring parity between past and future pensioners.
9. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme
A call to reinstate the defined and non-contributory pension scheme under CCS (Pension Rules) 1972 (now 2021) for employees recruited on or after January 1, 2004.
10. Improved Medical Benefits
- Enhancing CGHS-related facilities.
- Providing cashless and hassle-free medical facilities for employees and pensioners, including postal pensioners.
11. Education & Allowances
- Extending the Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy up to postgraduate levels.
- Restoring previously abolished advances and introducing new ones based on current needs.
12. Risk Allowances for Railway & Defense Employees
- Risk and hardship allowances for railway employees working in challenging conditions.
- Special risk allowances, insurance coverage, and compensation for defense civilian employees handling hazardous materials.
Call for In-Depth Discussion
Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra has urged the Standing Committee of the NC-JCM to engage in detailed discussions before finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC.
