30 July 2025: The long-awaited update for central government employees has now come to light. A significant development has emerged regarding discussions between the government and employees on the 8th Central Pay Commission. The central government has received several suggestions from employee unions concerning the 8th Pay Commission. The government issued a statement in response to a question raised in Parliament on this matter. Now, all eyes are on what decision the government will make based on the suggestions provided by employees.
The National Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has also submitted multiple demands on behalf of employees to the government. These suggestions were submitted in February 2025. This information was shared by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in response to a question asked in Parliament. Rajya Sabha member Bhubaneswar Kalita asked the government whether it had received any suggestions from employees. In response, the Minister stated that the government has sought feedback from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel, and state governments.
Here are the 15 major suggestions submitted by employee representatives for the 8th Pay Commission:
1. Broader Coverage of Employees
The demand is to include employees from various categories like:
- Central government’s industrial and non-industrial employees
- All India Services
- Defense and paramilitary forces
- Gramin Dak Sevaks
- Supreme Court and Audit Department employees
- Autonomous organizations
2. Effective Date
The pay revision should be implemented from 1st January 2026. The new pay structure must also come into effect from the same date.
3. Merging of Lower Pay Levels
The minimum salary should be fixed based on the concept of a “living wage”, meaning a wage that can respectably meet a family’s basic needs. Pay Levels 3 and 4 should be merged, just like Levels 1 and 2 were, to simplify the pay matrix.
4. Timely Promotions
Each employee should receive at least three promotions in their career span in a timely manner.
5. Interim Relief
Until the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission report, employees and pensioners should be granted interim relief. It is also demanded that Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) be merged into the current salary and pension.
6. Unresolved Issues of 7th Pay Commission
Pending issues from the 7th Pay Commission must be resolved before moving forward with the 8th Pay Commission.
7. Pension Reforms
- There should be parity between Old and New Pension Schemes.
- Commuted pension should be restored after 12 years.
- Demand to scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and re-implement the Old Pension System (CCS Rules).
- Old advance schemes should be restarted, and new ones introduced as needed.
8. Healthcare and CGHS
- Improvements should be made to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Fixed Medical Allowance.
- A cashless treatment facility should be made available for employees and pensioners.
9. Risk Allowance for Railway Workers
Railway employees should receive a risk allowance, especially those working under hazardous conditions.
10. 24×7 Workers in Difficult Conditions
Employees who work round-the-clock in difficult conditions should receive special compensation.
11. Defense Civilians’ Hazard Pay and Insurance
Defense civilian staff working in explosive or chemical environments should be given a separate risk allowance and insurance.
Currently, the government is reviewing these suggestions, and it is expected that the formal process for the 8th Pay Commission may begin soon. If these suggestions are accepted, it could bring major relief and good news for central government employees and pensioners.
Summary:
The NC-JCM Staff Side has submitted 15 key demands for the 8th Pay Commission, including DA merger, interim relief, pension reforms, and broader inclusion.