The update that central employees were waiting for has now come. There is news about the talks between the government and the employees regarding the 8th Central Pay Commission. The central government has received many suggestions from the employees’ association. The government shared this information in reply to a question in Parliament. Now everyone is waiting to see what decision the government will take on these suggestions.
The National Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has also given many demands to the government. These suggestions were given in February 2025. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary gave this information in reply to a question in Parliament. Rajya Sabha member Bhubaneswar Kalita had asked if the government had received suggestions from the employees. In reply, the minister said that the government has asked for feedback from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel and the State Governments. Now let us know the 15 big suggestions given by the employees for the 8th Pay Commission.
Maximum number of employees should be covered
There is a demand to include employees of the Central Government’s Industrial and Non-Industrial sectors, All India Services, Defence and Paramilitary Forces, Gramin Dak Sevaks, Supreme Court, Audit Department, and Autonomous Institutions in the 8th Pay Commission. Pay revision should be implemented from 1 January 2026, and the new salary structure should also be applicable from the same date.
Lower-level salaries should be merged
The minimum salary should be fixed based on the ‘living wage’ concept, meaning a salary that can meet a family’s needs with respect. For example, Level 1 and 2 and Level 3 and 4 should be merged to make the pay matrix simpler. Every employee should get at least 3 timely promotions.
Interim relief should be given
Till the time the 8th Pay Commission report is implemented, employees and pensioners should get interim relief. Dearness allowance and relief should be added to the existing salary and pension. The pending issues of the 7th Pay Commission should also be resolved.
Pension should be improved
There should be equality between old and new pensions, and commuted pensions should be restored in 12 years. There is a demand to end NPS and reintroduce the old pension system (CCS Rules). Old advances should be restarted and new advances should be given as needed.
Health facilities should be improved
CGHS and fixed medical allowances should be improved, and cashless treatment facilities should be provided. Railway employees should get risk allowances as they work 24×7 in tough conditions. Defence civilian employees should also get separate risk allowances and insurance as they work in dangerous environments like handling explosives or chemicals.
At present, the government is reviewing these suggestions, and it is expected that the process for the 8th Pay Commission can formally begin soon. If these suggestions are accepted, it will be a big relief and good news for central employees and pensioners.