In a welcome development for over one crore central government employees and pensioners, the Centre has confirmed that it is actively consulting state governments and plans to announce the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission shortly. The announcement follows a meeting between a delegation from the Government Employees National Confederation, the apex body of industrial federations affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh.

The 8th Pay Commission, originally announced in January this year, has been eagerly awaited by employees as they await clarity on pay revisions, allowances, and pension adjustments. During the meeting held on August fourth, the delegation raised several key concerns, including delays in the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the potential scrapping of the National Pension System and Unified Pension Scheme, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. They also sought release of dearness allowance arrears frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic and other employee welfare measures.

Minister Singh assured the delegation that the government is moving forward actively to constitute the 8th Pay Commission and immediately arranged a follow-up discussion with the Pension Secretary regarding the Old Pension Scheme. The minister emphasized that several matters raised by the employees will be examined thoroughly, and where possible, appropriate steps will be taken. The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing long-standing employee concerns.

The delegation submitted a detailed memorandum covering several pressing issues. Among the topics discussed, the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission was highlighted as urgent. The minister informed the delegation that consultations with state governments are ongoing, and an announcement on the panel is expected soon. Regarding pension schemes, strong opposition was expressed to the National Pension System and Unified Pension Scheme, with calls to restore the Old Pension Scheme. Minister Singh directed his secretariat to arrange a meeting with the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, which was successfully held on August fifth.

Other matters discussed included enhancement of compassionate appointment quotas, restoration of commuted pension timelines, reduction in residency periods for promotion, availability of cashless medical facilities under the CGHS and CS(MA), regular Joint Consultative Machinery meetings, pay fixation and leave encashment for re-employed ex-servicemen, model recruitment rules for common cadres, and the conversion of Half Pay Leave into commuted leave without a medical certificate. The minister assured that several of these issues would be reviewed by the concerned departments and where possible addressed in a timely manner.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the minister appreciating the constructive approach of the delegation and reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the legitimate concerns of central government employees. The assurance regarding the early constitution of the 8th Pay Commission brings hope for a timely revision of pay, allowances, and pension benefits for employees who have been waiting for clarity since the announcement earlier this year.

For central employees and pensioners, this development signals that the long wait for updates on pay scales and benefits may soon come to an end. As the process moves forward, employees are advised to stay informed about official announcements and follow discussions regarding allowances, pension schemes, and pay revisions.

 

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