8th Pay Commission latest update: In a relief for over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners, the Centre has said it is “actively consulting” state governments on the 8th Pay Commission matter and an announcement can be expected soon with regard to the constitution of the panel.
A delegation from the Government Employees National Confederation (GENC), the apex body of industrial federations affiliated with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), met with Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh last month to discuss various issues, including the delay in 8th Pay Commission implementation, facing government employees.
The 8th Pay Commission was announced in January this year and since then there has not been much progress as employees are keenly awaiting the appointment of key panel members and the finalisation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for the panel.
The delegation in its meeting on August 4 with the minister raised several issues like 8th Pay Commission delay, scrapping of National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) and restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS), release of DA arrears (18 months) frozen during COVID-19, among others.
MoS Singh assured 8th Central Pay Commission to be constituted soon
The meeting was held on August 4, 2025, to discuss key employee demands, including the setting up of the 8th Pay Commission.
The minister assured the confederation that the 8th pay panel would be announced soon and immediately arranged a follow-up meeting with the Pension Secretary regarding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Other issues raised included enhancing compassionate appointments, cadre reviews, and ensuring regular JCM meetings. While some demands were noted for examination, others, like DA arrears, were withdrawn. The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere.
The delegation submitted a detailed memorandum covering major long-pending demands of the government employees. The minister is said to have given assurances on the issues raised.
Key issues discussed as per the minutes of the meeting
- Constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC)
The delegation emphasized the urgency of constituting the 8th CPC.
Minister’s response: Singh assured that the government is actively consulting state governments and the constitution of the 8th CPC is likely to be announced soon.
- Scrapping of National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS); Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
GENC expressed strong opposition to both NPS and UPS, seeking restoration of OPS.
Response: The minister immediately directed his secretariat to facilitate a meeting between GENC and the secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare. The meeting was successfully held on 05.08.2025.
- Enhancement of compassionate appointment quota beyond 5% and one-time relaxation
The delegation sought an increase in quota and a special relaxation to accommodate pending cases.
Response: The minister explained that the existing ceiling is based on legal rulings and may not be enhanced; current practice will continue.
- Restoration of commuted pension after 12 years instead of 15 years
GENC sought the implementation of CAT orders on earlier pension restoration timelines.
Response: The minister stated that the Department of Pension has already clarified its position and there is no proposal under active consideration.
- Reduction in residency period for promotion in various posts
The demand was placed to improve career progression.
Response: The minister advised that this issue can be addressed effectively by placing it before the 8th CPC once constituted.
- Credit/cashless facility for treatment in CGHS and CS(MA) hospitals
GENC highlighted hardships faced due to lack of cashless medical services.
Response: The minister assured that he will take up the matter with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for sympathetic consideration.
- Ensuring regular JCM meetings as per DoPT instructions
The delegation demanded regularity in Joint Consultative Machinery meetings at all levels.
Response: The minister informed that directions have already been issued to all ministries/ departments and that he will reiterate them again for strict compliance.
- Pay fixation and leave encashment for re-employed ex-servicemen (PBOR)
GENC raised the demand to ensure uniformity and justice in fixation benefits.
Response: The minister noted that the matter is currently under active examination.
- Model recruitment rules for common cadres like fire fighting staff
A unified recruitment framework was proposed for uniformity across departments.
Response: Singh acknowledged the issue and assured that the proposal would be examined. He also recalled that DoPT had earlier framed similar model recruitment rules.
- Conversion of Half Pay Leave (HPL) up to 3 days without medical certificate into commuted leave
The delegation sought an amendment in the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 for operational convenience and relief to employees.
Response: The minister assured that the demand appears reasonable and the concerned department would be advised to examine it on priority.
According to the minutes of the meeting, the meeting concluded on a cordial note with the minister appreciating the constructive approach of GENC and expressing his commitment to addressing legitimate concerns of the government employees.