8th Pay Commission: Key Decisions from the Latest JCM Staff Side Meeting
The Staff Side of the National Council–JCM recently held an extended meeting in New Delhi to discuss the Government of India’s Gazette Notification dated 03 November 2025 regarding the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC). The meeting focused on reviewing the Terms of Reference (ToR) issued for the Commission and preparing a united roadmap for representing the concerns of central government employees.
Chaired by senior representatives of major staff unions, the meeting included discussions on salary structure, allowances, pension revision, and demands to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The collective decisions taken during the meeting aim to ensure that the 8th Pay Commission addresses long-standing issues related to pay, promotion, and welfare of central government employees and pensioners.
Prime Demands and Key Decisions
1. Letter to Prime Minister Seeking Amendments in the 8th CPC ToR
A major decision was to send a detailed letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister requesting important modifications in the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission.
The Staff Side demanded:
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all government employees.
- Inclusion of pension revision for existing pensioners and family pensioners.
- Removal of clause ToR (f)(iii), which refers to “unfunded cost of non-contributory Pension Scheme.”
The letter will also be shared with the Finance Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary Expenditure, and Secretary DoPT.
2. Inputs Requested from All Constituent Organizations
To prepare a comprehensive memorandum for submission to the 8th CPC, all constituent organizations of the JCM have been asked to send their detailed suggestions. These inputs must cover a wide range of employee-centric issues, including:
Pay and Wage-Related Issues
- Fixation of minimum wage based on living needs, calorie requirement, family size, market prices, and technological necessities.
- Determining the fitment factor, highest salary, and new pay structure.
- Rules for promotion, MACP, and annual increments.
Common Categories and Special Pay
Suggestions are sought on pay revision for common categories such as clerical staff, storekeepers, drivers, nurses, teachers, MTS, canteen staff, scientific staff, engineering staff, and more.
Allowances and Advances
Opinions are requested on:
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Travelling Allowance
- Children Education Allowance
- Overtime, Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Night Duty Allowance
- Advances including accommodation (HBA)
Service Conditions and Welfare
Inputs are needed on:
- Leave rules
- LTC
- Medical facilities under CGHS and CS(MA)
- Women employee issues
- Compassionate appointment
- Regularization of contract/ casual workers
- Bonus and litigation matters
- Transfer policy
- Effective functioning of the JCM scheme
Pension-Related Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on:
- Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- Revision of pensions for all pre-01/01/2026 pensioners
- Enhancement of gratuity, commutation benefits, and family pension rates
3. Deadline for Submissions
All constituent organizations must submit their complete suggestions with supporting documents on or before 15 December 2025.
No extension will be given because the Drafting Committee needs time to carefully analyze all proposals and prepare the unified memorandum for the 8th Pay Commission.
4. Nomination of Drafting Committee Representatives
Organizations have been reminded to nominate their members for the Drafting Committee as per the quota already assigned. Nominations must be submitted by 25 November 2025, as earlier requested through the office letter dated 23 April 2025.
5. Next Steps After Finalizing Common Proposals
Once the Staff Side finalizes the main memorandum on common service matters, each constituent organization may also submit their own department-specific memorandum. They will endorse the Staff Side’s main proposals alongside their cadre-related issues.
Conclusion
The recent meeting marks an important beginning in shaping the demands and expectations from the 8th Pay Commission. With a strong push for restoring the Old Pension Scheme, revising current pensions, improving allowances, and ensuring fair pay scales, the Staff Side aims to secure a balanced and employee-friendly outcome from the upcoming pay commission.
The unified effort of all unions and their timely submission of proposals will play a crucial role in influencing the final recommendations of the 8th CPC.