As nearly one crore central government employees and pensioners celebrate the official formation of the 8th Pay Commission, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has appealed to PM Modi for changes in the Terms of Reference. They have provided detailed information and suggestions in a formal letter. According to them, the Terms of Reference (ToR) under the 8th pay commission has ignored 69 lakh pensioners and family pensioners.
Pensioners sent a letter to PM Modi
In a letter sent on Monday, welcoming the formation of the commission, they stated that the current Terms of Reference lack clarity on several key issues, like pension revision, pension parity, and the future of various pension schemes. Furthermore, the union raised major objections to the lack of a fixed date.
About the fixed date
The association stated that the Pay Commission should be effective from January 1, 2026. However, they criticised that the use of the cost of non-contributory pension schemes in the statement was inappropriate and insensitive. The association also stated that pensions are a constitutional right under Section 300A and a key element of socio-economic justice, not a fiscal burden to be classified among government liabilities.
What the union appealed to PM Modi
- A clear directive authorising the 8th Pay Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of pension structures
- This included pension revisions, establishing parity beyond the retirement date
- Restoring commutation after 11 years, introducing an extra pension every five years for senior citizens
- Improving access to the CGHS and restructuring the CGEGIS
Demanded 20% Relief
The Federation demanded that the 8th pay commission should consider the employees of autonomous institutions, statutory bodies, and Gramin Dak Sevaks to be included in the scope of the new CPC. They said that these bodies as an integral part of government service. Citing rising inflation and delays, it requested 20% interim relief to protect the morale of approximately 12 million active employees, pensioners, and family pensioners. Demands also included the expansion of CGHS wellness centres and cashless treatment for pensioners.
Restoration of Old Pension Scheme
The Federation also reiterated its demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They argued that 26 lakh employees who joined service after April 2004 are deeply dissatisfied with the NPS and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). It stated that the 8th Pay Commission should evaluate all schemes and recommend the most beneficial option.
