Brief of discussion between Secretary, DoPT and Staff Side of NC(JCM) on 8th CPC ToR

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission – Brief of discussion with Staff Side of NC(JCM) in the Standing Committee Meeting of National Council – JCM held on 10/02/2025 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, DOPT

1. Introduction

Meeting Details:

• The Standing Committee of the National Council – JCM met on 10/02/2025.
• Chaired by the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT).
• Attended by key Staff Side members, including Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra (Secretary), Shri M. Raghavaiah (Leader), and other members of the Standing Committee.

Purpose of the Meeting:

• To discuss the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) proposed by the Staff Side of NC-JCM.
• The Secretary, DOPT, requested the Staff Side to explain their proposed ToR in detail.

Key Issues Discussed by the Staff Side

A. Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC
Flexibility in ToR:

• The Staff Side emphasized that their proposed ToR is justified as it allows the 8th CPC to address common issues of Central Government employees and pensioners, as well as specific issues related to the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Defence.
• Highlighted the risky working conditions and frequent accidental deaths of employees in these ministries.

Minimum Wage Calculation:

• Advocated for a five-member family unit (instead of three) to account for the legal responsibility of children to care for parents under The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2022.
• Stressed the need for a “Decent and Dignified Living Wage” that reflects current living standards and nutritional requirements.

Pension-Related Demands:

• Restoration of the non-contributory Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• Restoration of the commuted portion of pension after 12 years.
• Implementation of recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee to enhance pensions every five years.
• Increase in Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to Rs. 3000 per month.
• Resolution of CGHS-related issues.

Inclusion of GDS and Election Commission Employees:

Requested for the inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) of the Postal Department and Election Commission employees in the 8th CPC’s ToR.

B. Pay Scales and Promotional Prospects

Merger of Non-Viable Pay Scales:

• Proposed the merger of non-viable pay scales and upgrading the minimum entry-level pay for skilled grades, considering qualifications and job responsibilities.
• Highlighted the lack of promotional prospects for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)

Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy:

Demanded that these allowances be extended up to post-graduation and professional courses.

C. Ministry-Specific Issues

Railway Employees:

• Implementation of Risk Allowance Committee recommendations.
• Exemption of Running Allowance from Income Tax.

Defence Employees:

Expressed concern over the Ministry of Defence’s delay in finalizing recommendations on Risk Allowance.

D. Pending Issues and Interim Relief

Cadre Reviews and Intergrade Ratios:

• Urged the DOPT to issue instructions to all ministries/departments to settle pending Cadre Review Proposals and Intergrade Ratio revisions for Artisan Staff in Defence.
• These issues should not be delayed further under the pretext of the 8th CPC.

Merger of DA/DR and Interim Relief:

• Demanded the merger of 50% DA/DR for all benefits.
• Called for the grant of Interim Relief to both employees and pensioners.

Response from Secretary, DOPT

Acknowledgment of Staff Side’s Views:

• The Secretary, DOPT, acknowledged that the discussion provided clarity on the ToR proposed by the Staff Side.
• Assured that this was the first of many meetings and thanked the Staff Side for effectively presenting their views.

Next Steps

• Call for Constituent Organizations’ Input:
• A separate circular will be issued to Constituent Organizations and Staff Side Members of NC-JCM to submit their views and justifications on each ToR.
• This will help finalize the Memorandum on Common Issues to be submitted to the 8th CPC at the earliest.

Conclusion

• The meeting was productive, with the Staff Side effectively presenting their demands and concerns.
• The Secretary, DOPT, assured continued dialogue and collaboration to address the issues raised.
• The Staff Side remains committed to advocating for the welfare of Central Government employees and pensioners.