AIDEF Urges Government to Amend 8th CPC Terms of Reference to Include Pension Revision and Old Pension Scheme
The All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) has written to the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting urgent amendments to the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the recently constituted 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The letter, dated 4th November 2025, highlights several key omissions in the current ToR published by the Ministry of Finance on 3rd November 2025, particularly concerning employee expectations, pension revisions, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Key Concerns Raised by AIDEF
1. Missing Stakeholder Expectations in 8th CPC ToR
AIDEF pointed out that the 8th CPC’s ToR for revising emoluments lacks reference to the expectations of employees, which was clearly included in the 7th CPC’s ToR.
While the 7th CPC emphasized attracting talent, promoting efficiency, and addressing stakeholder expectations, the 8th CPC’s version has removed the “stakeholder expectation” component.
AIDEF has requested the government to redraft the 8th CPC ToR in line with the 7th CPC to ensure employees’ aspirations are duly represented.
2. Inclusion of Pensioners and Family Pensioners
A major concern raised by AIDEF is the exclusion of more than 69 lakh Central Government Pensioners and Family Pensioners from the scope of the 8th CPC.
The Federation argues that this move is unjust and discriminatory, as pension revision is a rightful entitlement of retired employees who have dedicated decades of service to the nation.
Citing the 7th CPC ToR, which explicitly included pension structure and revision, AIDEF requested that similar provisions be incorporated into the 8th CPC.
They also urged the government to consider the following:
- Restoration of commuted pension after 11 years
- An enhanced pension of 5% every 5 years after retirement, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee
3. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
AIDEF strongly advocated for the restoration of the non-contributory pension under CCS Pension Rules 1972 (now 2021) for employees recruited on or after 1st January 2004.
Currently, over 26 lakh Central Government employees are covered under the National Pension System (NPS), and there has been growing demand to revert to OPS for better post-retirement security.
AIDEF urged the Finance Ministry to include the OPS restoration issue within the ToR of the 8th CPC, enabling a holistic review of pay and pension policies.
4. Date of Implementation of 8th CPC Recommendations
The letter also noted that the 8th CPC ToR does not specify the effective date of its recommendations.
Historically, every Central Pay Commission’s recommendations have been implemented from:
- 4th CPC – 01.01.1986
- 5th CPC – 01.01.1996
- 6th CPC – 01.01.2006
- 7th CPC – 01.01.2016
Based on this 10-year pattern, AIDEF requested the government to clearly mention the implementation date as 01.01.2026 in the 8th CPC’s ToR to avoid ambiguity.
AIDEF’s Appeal to the Finance Minister
In conclusion, Shri C. Srikumar, General Secretary of AIDEF and Leader of the Staff Side (JCM), expressed confidence that the government will give due consideration to these suggestions.
He urged the Finance Minister to issue appropriate amendments to the Gazette Notification dated 3rd November 2025, ensuring fairness to employees and pensioners alike.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister, and to the Defence Secretary, requesting their kind intervention in the matter.
Conclusion
The AIDEF’s letter reflects the genuine concerns of Central Government employees and pensioners who seek equitable treatment under the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission.
Inclusion of pensioners, restoration of OPS, and recognition of employee expectations are pivotal for maintaining morale and trust in the government’s pay and pension framework.
Whether the government accepts these recommendations remains to be seen, but the demand for a comprehensive and inclusive 8th CPC is gaining momentum among employee unions nationwide.