Minimum 5 promotions under MACP scheme, demands Staff Side, NC-JCM

Central Government Employees anticipate that the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) will not only increase their salaries but also ensure a higher number of assured promotions throughout their service years.

Demand for Five Promotions

In its recommendations for the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission, the staff side of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has suggested that the commission should recommend a minimum of five promotions in service.

"To consider the existing anomalies in the MACP scheme and to recommend a minimum of 5 promotions in service with a well-defined hierarchical structure and MACP in the promotional hierarchy," the staff side NC-JCM stated.

Current MACP Rule

MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) ensures that all central government employees receive at least three promotions during a service period of 30 years.

Existing Promotion Structure Under MACP:

• 10 years – First promotion
• 20 years – Second promotion
• 30 years – Third promotion

7th Pay Commission and MACP

The 7th Pay Commission also faced demands for increasing the frequency of MACP, but it did not approve any changes, stating that the pay-related grievances had already been addressed through the revision of pay structures.

"Although a number of demands were received for increasing the frequency of MACP as well as enhancing the financial benefit accruing out of it, this Commission feels that the inherent issues in the existing pay structure, owing to which there was widespread resentment, have been set right through the rationalization of pay levels, abolition of pay band and grade pay, and the introduction of a matrix-based open pay structure," the 7th CPC stated.

It further added:

"Hence, there is no justification for increasing the frequency of MACP, and it will continue to be administered at 10, 20, and 30 years as before."

How MACP Promotions Work

Currently, an employee moves to the next level in the pay matrix upon promotions through MACP. The fixation of pay follows the same principle as regular promotions within the pay matrix.

However, the 7th Pay Commission recommended a higher benchmark for performance appraisals for both MACP and regular promotions.

"The Commission recommends that this benchmark, in the interest of improving performance levels, be enhanced from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Good.’"

The 7th CPC also emphasized that the pay matrix provides a clear picture of pay progression throughout an employee’s career.

"For example, it can be clearly seen that an employee without any promotional prospects in his cadre will still be able to traverse through at least three levels solely through assured financial progression or MACP, assuming a career span of 30 years or more," the 7th CPC stated.

With the 8th Pay Commission under discussion, employees are hopeful that the MACP scheme will be revised to include five promotions, ensuring better career progression and financial growth.