The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently sought suggestions from the Staff Side of the National Council JCM to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). In response, Shri Shiv Gopal Mishra has submitted a comprehensive proposal highlighting key areas for consideration.
Key Proposals and Expectations for the 8th Central Pay Commission
1. Pay Structure and Benefits
• Inclusive Review: A thorough evaluation of pay scales, allowances, retirement benefits, and other facilities is recommended 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
2. Comprehensive Pay Revision
• Implementation Date: Advocacy for a revised pay structure to be effective from January 1, 2026.
3. Living Wage Consideration
• Decent Living Wage: Emphasis on ensuring that the minimum wage aligns with the standard of a “decent and dignified living wage,” as per the 15th Indian Labour Conference (1957) recommendations, with modifications based on the Dr. Aykroyd formula.
• Family Unit Consumption: Proposal to increase the family unit consumption from 3 to 3.6 units for wage calculations.
4. Pay Scale Mergers
• Career Progression: Suggestion to merge non-viable pay scales to facilitate career advancement:
• Level 1 with Level 2
• Level 3 with Level 4
• Level 5 with Level 6
5. Promotions and Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP)
• Scheme Anomalies: Addressing discrepancies in the MACP scheme.
• Promotion Frequency: Ensuring at least five promotions during service with a well-defined hierarchical structure.
• Promotional Hierarchy: Implementation of MACP in the promotional hierarchy.
6. Interim Relief and Dearness Allowance (DA) Merger
• Immediate Relief: Call for immediate interim relief for all central government employees and pensioners.
• DA Merger: Proposal to merge a portion of Dearness Allowance with pay and pension.
7. Resolution of 7th CPC Anomalies
• Pending Issues: Review and resolution of outstanding issues from the 7th CPC recommendations.
8. Enhancements in Retirement Benefits
• Pension and Gratuity: Advocacy for improved pension schemes and gratuity benefits.
• Commuted Pension Restoration: Early restoration of the commuted portion of the pension after 12 years.
• Enhanced Pensions: Implementation of Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations for enhanced pensions every five years.
• Pension Parity: Ensuring parity between past and future pensioners.
9. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme
• Defined Benefit Scheme: Advocacy for reinstating the defined and non-contributory pension scheme under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972.
10. Improved Medical Benefits
• Healthcare Access: Enhancement of medical facilities and benefits for employees and pensioners.
11. Education and Allowances
• Educational Support: Review and enhancement of educational allowances and support for employees’ children.
12. Risk Allowances for Railway and Defense Employees
• Hazard Compensation: Provision of appropriate risk allowances for employees in high-risk roles within the railway and defense sectors.
These proposals aim to address various aspects of central government employees’ service conditions, ensuring fair compensation, career progression, and improved welfare measures.
Conclusion
These are the key recommendations by JCM to the central government as per the demands of central government employees.If you want to know more about 8th pay commission and calculate your salary then click here and get your gross salary.