8th Pay Commission: A major development has come for millions of central government employees and pensioners across India. The 49th meeting of the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery (NCJCM) was held on May 11 under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan. The meeting gained special attention as discussions around the upcoming 8th Pay Commission continue to grow nationwide.
The government has already started consulting employee unions and staff associations before preparing the final recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission. During the high-level discussion, officials and employee representatives held talks on several important matters, including salary revision, allowances, promotion rules, pension-related concerns, and healthcare facilities.
Employee Unions Submit Detailed Proposal on 8th Pay Commission
During the meeting, union representatives informed the Cabinet Secretary that a detailed memorandum had already been submitted to the Pay Commission. The proposal reportedly includes demands related to minimum salary increase, fitment factor, annual increment rates, and promotion policies.
Employee organizations also requested the government to continue regular discussions with unions during the entire process of the 8th Pay Commission so that employees’ expectations and concerns can be properly represented before the panel. Apart from demands related to salary and allowances, unions strongly raised the issue of withdrawing the National Pension System (NPS) and the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Unions Express Concern Over Irregular Meetings on 8th Pay Commission
The year 2026 marks 60 years of the NCJCM system, making it the Diamond Jubilee year of the consultative mechanism. However, employee representatives expressed disappointment over the irregularity of meetings over the years.
According to the rules, three regular meetings should be held every year, but only 49 meetings have taken place in the last six decades. Representatives particularly highlighted that the departmental council meeting of the Defence Ministry has not been held since 2016.
Healthcare and Medical Reimbursement Issues Raised in Commission Meeting
A major part of the meeting focused on healthcare benefits for serving and retired employees. Union representatives demanded complete reimbursement of treatment expenses under CGHS and CS(MA) rules.
They also pointed out that reimbursement rates for hearing aids have remained unchanged for the past 12 years. Taking note of the issue, the Cabinet Secretary instructed officials to review the matter and take action within three months. Discussions were also held regarding the Children Education Allowance for students studying in PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalayas and the need for more CGHS wellness centres.
Important Demands for Pensioners
Employee unions also pushed for implementation of recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, including increasing pensions every five years for retired employees. Another key demand was to raise the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for pensioners to ₹3,000 per month.
On the issue of family pension, unions sought a wider definition of “family” so that widowed and dependent daughters-in-law could also become eligible for family pension benefits. The Cabinet Secretary directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to review the matter along with the Law Ministry.
OPS Issue Sparks Heated Discussion
One of the most debated topics during the meeting was the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Employee representatives argued that vacancies advertised before December 22, 2003 should be brought under OPS, even if the appointments were made after that date. The unions also demanded that family pension should not remain restricted to 30% of the notional salary of a deceased employee.
