8th Pay Commission: Staff Side Puts Forward 15 Key Demands – Will the Government Listen?

The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) may bring sweeping changes to the lives of central government employees if the government accepts the 15 major suggestions put forward by the staff side of the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM). These recommendations, submitted in February 2025, aim to revamp salary structure, promotions, pension, and employee welfare policies.
Let’s break down what’s being demanded and what it could mean for over 1 crore central employees and pensioners.
🔑 Top 15 Demands by NC-JCM for the 8th Pay Commission
1. Implementation from 1 January 2026
The staff side demands that the new salary structure under the 8th CPC be enforced from January 1, 2026, ensuring timely benefit for serving employees and pensioners.
2. Inclusion of All Categories
It is proposed that all central government employees be covered, including:
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Industrial and non-industrial staff
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All India Services (IAS, IPS, etc.)
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Armed Forces
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Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)
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Audit & Supreme Court staff
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UT employees
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Employees of autonomous bodies
3. Revised Minimum Pay Based on Current Needs
The minimum wage should be restructured in line with the present cost of living to support a dignified standard of living.
4. Guaranteed Three Promotions
Demand for at least three assured promotions in an employee's career under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme.
5. Rationalization of Pay Levels
To address pay anomalies, suggestions include merging certain pay grades to ensure uniformity across pay scales.
6. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
A major demand is the revival of the OPS for post-2004 employees, replacing the current National Pension System (NPS).
7. Automatic Pension Revision Every 5 Years
Just like salary hikes, pensions should be automatically revised every five years to adjust for inflation and rising costs.
8. DA and DR Merger with Basic Pay
Dearness Allowance (DA) for serving employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners should be merged with basic pay/pension, especially before forming a new CPC.
9. Improved CGHS & Medical Benefits
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Reforms in CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme)
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Enhanced Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA)
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Introduction of cashless medical facilities for better ease of treatment.
10. Reintroduction of Discontinued Advances
Previously discontinued advances (such as festival or medical advances) should be brought back.
11. Risk Allowance for Defence & Railway Staff
Demand for the reinstatement of Risk and Hardship Allowances in sensitive sectors like Railways and Defence.
12. Extension of Education Allowance
Children’s education allowance should be extended to post-graduate level, especially in light of rising educational costs.
13. Leave and Working Conditions Review
Changes are suggested in leave policies and working hours to promote better work-life balance.
14. Promotions Without Discrimination
MACP should be given based on actual grade pay, not just pay matrix levels, and must be implemented uniformly.
15. Addressing Regional and Sectoral Disparities
The pay commission must consider regional cost disparities and sector-specific hardships while recommending allowances.
🧾 What Happens Next?
The government has acknowledged receipt of the NC-JCM suggestions in the Rajya Sabha, and these will help draft the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th CPC. However, no formal notification for the formation of the commission has been issued yet.
⚖️ What Are Employees Hoping For?
With inflation on the rise, and many government employees feeling financially strained, these demands aim to:
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Ensure financial security during service
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Provide social protection post-retirement
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Offer a more realistic and updated pay scale
🔍 Will the Government Accept These Demands?
That remains to be seen. There’s significant pressure from employee unions, especially with upcoming elections and rising dissatisfaction over the NPS and wage stagnation. If accepted, these demands could bring massive relief and boost morale among the workforce.
📌 Stay tuned for official announcements as the 8th Pay Commission takes shape. If you're a government employee or pensioner, these decisions could significantly impact your financial future.