NC JCM Staff Side's 15 crucial demands for the 8th Pay Commission's ToR

The Staff Side of the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery (NC JCM), representing over 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners, has intensified its efforts regarding the upcoming 8th Pay Commission, slated for implementation from January 2026.

Key Actions and Meetings:

• Meeting with DoPT: The NC JCM Staff Side met with the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to discuss critical issues affecting employees and pensioners, particularly concerning Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR).
• Terms of Reference (ToR) Submission: In response to a DoPT letter, the Staff Side submitted its proposed ToR for the 8th Pay Commission.
• Standing Committee Meeting Request: Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC JCM (Staff Side), previously requested a Standing Committee Meeting to finalize the ToR details.

15 Key Demands for the 8th Pay Commission Terms of Reference (ToR):

The NC JCM Staff Side has outlined 15 crucial demands to be included in the 8th Pay Commission's ToR:

1. Comprehensive Review of Pay and Benefits:
   • Examine and revise pay, allowances, pensions, and retirement benefits for all central government employees, including various categories.
   • Ensure a fair and comprehensive revision effective from January 1, 2026.
2. Minimum Wage Based on Cost of Living:
   • Determine minimum wages based on the 15th Indian Labour Conference recommendations (1957), adjusted for modern living standards (family consumption unit of 3.6).
3. Merger of Low Pay Levels:
   • Merge non-viable pay levels (e.g., Level 1 with 2, Level 3 with 4, Level 5 with 6) to reduce wage disparities.
4. Fix MACP Anomalies:
   • Address issues in the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme.
   • Ensure at least five promotions in a career and implement MACP in a clear hierarchical structure.
5. Interim Relief:
   • Provide immediate interim relief to employees and pensioners before final recommendations.
6. Merge DA/DR with Basic Pay/Pension:
   • Merge Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief with salaries and pensions to combat inflation.
7. Resolve 7th Pay Commission Issues:
   • Address pending anomalies raised in JCM meetings and anomaly committees.
8. Enhanced Pension and Retirement Benefits:
   • Improve pension policies, restore commuted pensions after 12 years, implement periodic pension hikes every 5 years, and ensure parity among pensioners.
9. Restore Old Pension Scheme (OPS):
   • Reinstate the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme for employees recruited after January 1, 2004.
10. Improve CGHS and Medical Benefits:
    • Implement Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations for better medical facilities and cashless treatment under CGHS.
11. Increase Education Allowance:
    • Extend Children Education Allowance (CEA) and Hostel Subsidy up to the postgraduate level.
12. Restore Interest-Free Advances:
    • Reinstate essential interest-free advances for government employees.
13. Risk and Hardship Allowance for Railway Staff:
    • Provide risk and hardship allowance for all Indian Railways employees.
14. Special Allowance for Defence Civilian Employees:
    • Grant Special Risk Allowance, Insurance Coverage, and Compensation to Defence civilian employees in hazardous conditions.
15. Detailed Deliberation:
    • Ensure that the standing committee meets to thoroughly deliberate all the points before finalising the terms of reference.