8th Pay Commission: NC JCM Demands Amendments in ToR & Pension Revision for All Pensioners
The 8th Pay Commission has officially been constituted, bringing fresh hope to Central Government employees and pensioners across the country. However, the National Council (Staff Side), Joint Consultative Machinery (NC JCM) has raised several critical concerns regarding the Terms of Reference (ToR) issued on 3 November 2025.
In a detailed representation addressed to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, NC JCM Secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra has urged the government to revise the ToR to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and justice for serving employees, pensioners, family pensioners, and NPS-covered staff.
1. Restore Employees’ Expectations in the 8th Pay Commission ToR
Clause 2.5 of the newly issued ToR for the 8th Pay Commission focuses only on attracting talent and promoting efficiency within government service.
However, the 7th CPC included an additional—and crucial—phrase:
“with due regard to the expectations of stakeholders.”
This important element has been omitted in the 8th CPC, causing disappointment among employees.
NC JCM has requested that this phrase be reinstated to reflect employee aspirations and maintain trust in the pay revision process.
2. Include Pension Revision for Existing Pensioners and Family Pensioners
Although the government stated during the cabinet briefing that employees and pensioners will benefit from the 8th Pay Commission, the official ToR does not explicitly include revision of pension for:
- 69 lakh Central Government Pensioners
- Family Pensioners
- Pre-2026 retirees
The 7th CPC clearly included pension revision for past retirees, and NC JCM demands that this must continue.
The representation also reminds the government that courts—including in the landmark D.S. Nakara (1983) and Deokinandan Prasad (1971) judgments—have ruled that pension is a right and not a charity.
NC JCM has also sought the inclusion of:
- Restoration of commuted pension in 11 years instead of 15
- 5% additional pension every 5 years after retirement
- Uniform revision for all pensioners under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972/2021
3. Consideration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) Restoration
Over 26 lakh Central Government employees, including those in Railways, Defence, Para-Military Forces, and other departments appointed on or after 01.01.2004, continue to demand restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
NC JCM has appealed that OPS-related issues must be brought within the scope of the 8th Pay Commission for a fair and comprehensive review.
4. Delete the Phrase “Unfunded Cost of Non-Contributory Pension Schemes”
The ToR currently refers to non-contributory pensions as an “unfunded cost,” which is inaccurate and dismissive of employees’ lifetime service.
NC JCM highlighted several Supreme Court judgments affirming that:
- Pension is a deferred wage, not a burden
- Pension is protected under Article 300A
- Government cannot avoid pension liability citing lack of funds
The term has also never been used for pensions of MPs, Judges, or other Constitutional authorities.
Hence, NC JCM proposes replacing the phrase with a more balanced and respectful alternative focusing on pensionary liability assessment.
5. Clearly Mention the Date of Effect: 01.01.2026
The government’s press release mentioned that pay commissions are usually implemented every 10 years.
However, the 8th CPC ToR does not mention any effective date, leading to employee concerns.
Since every Pay Commission since the 4th CPC has been implemented from 1 January of the respective decade, NC JCM requests that the 8th CPC’s recommendations be mandated to take effect from:
📌 01 January 2026
6. Grant 20% Interim Relief to Employees & Pensioners
Given the rising cost of living and erosion of real wages, NC JCM has urged the government to provide 20% Interim Relief on:
- Existing Basic Pay
- Existing Basic Pension
This temporary support will help employees and pensioners manage inflation while the Commission completes its work.
Conclusion
The NC JCM has expressed deep faith in the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and highlighted that government employees have consistently contributed to India’s governance, growth, and development.
By amending the ToR of the 8th Pay Commission to include pensioners’ rights, OPS concerns, and a clear implementation date, the government can ensure that the upcoming pay revision is just, transparent, and inclusive.