8th Pay Commission: Eight Lakh Employees Push New Charter of Demands to PMO

The discussion around the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) is heating up once again, as nearly 8 lakh central government employees from 130 departments have submitted a detailed list of demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has written to the PMO urging that these demands be included in the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the upcoming commission.

The employees’ unions insist that rising inflation, delayed pay revision, and long-pending pension concerns have created a sense of uncertainty among the workforce. They argue that revisiting pay structures, pension rules, and employee benefits is essential before the next commission is finalized. Here is a comprehensive look at the eight key demands placed before the government.

1. Demand for Immediate 20% Interim Relief

The employees’ organisations have urged the government to offer an instant 20% interim relief. They claim that the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission is taking time, while inflation continues to rise sharply. This combination, they say, is eroding the real value of salaries.

A provisional relief, according to them, would help stabilise financial pressure and boost morale until the new pay structure is introduced.

2. Clear Mention of Implementation Date in ToR

Unions insist that the implementation date of the 8th Pay Commission be clearly stated as January 1, 2026. All previous pay commissions were implemented from this date, and employees want the same continuity.

They argue that ambiguity in timing leads to confusion and unnecessary speculation.

3. Comprehensive Review of Pension and Retirement Benefits

The employees’ body has highlighted that pension-related issues must be explicitly included in the ToR. These include:

• Review of pension structures

• Parity between old and new pension schemes

• Equal benefits for those retiring before or after 1 January 2026

The union emphasized that retirement benefits must be uniform and just.

4. Removal of the Term “Unfunded Cost”

The ToR mentions the “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes.” Employee groups argue that the phrase implies that government pensions are a financial burden, which they strongly oppose.

They have requested that this wording be replaced with neutral and positive language, ensuring that pensions are viewed as welfare, not liability.

5. Revision of Additional Retirement Benefits

Employees want the ToR to also consider:

• Restoration of commuted pension after 11 years

• Additional pension increase every 5 years (as recommended by a Parliamentary Committee)

• Improved healthcare services for pensioners

• Revisions to the CGEGIS (insurance) scheme for active employees

These suggestions focus on long-term security for both current staff and retirees.

6. Review on Restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

Though one lakh employees who were shifted from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) have expressed concerns, the majority still prefer the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Unions want the 8th Pay Commission to conduct a detailed assessment of OPS and consider the possibility of restoring it across departments.

7. 8th CPC Benefits Should Extend Beyond Central Departments

Unions demand that the advantages of the 8th Pay Commission should not be restricted only to central government staff. The benefits must also cover:

• Autonomous bodies funded by the Centre

• Statutory institutions

• Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)

The employees argue that these groups contribute equally but often remain outside mainstream pay revision benefits.

8. Strengthening and Expanding CGHS Facilities

The final demand centres on healthcare reforms. Employees want:

• New CGHS centres in every district

• Cashless treatment for both employees and pensioners

• Access to CGHS for autonomous body staff

• Implementation of Parliamentary Committee recommendations on healthcare

The union stresses that accessible and affordable treatment is essential for government employees across levels.

Conclusion

With eight lakh employees uniting behind these demands, pressure is mounting on the government to revisit the Terms of Reference for the 8th Pay Commission. The next few months may witness intense discussions between employee unions and government representatives as the country awaits clarity on pay hikes, pension reforms, and overall welfare measures.

The debate around the 8th Pay Commission is far from over—and likely to become a major topic in administrative and policy circles in the coming year.