Key Developments in the Eighth Pay Commission for Central Employees

The recent NC-JCM meeting in Delhi highlighted crucial discussions regarding the Eighth Pay Commission for central employees. Key demands included increasing family units, ensuring promotions, and reinstating the Old Pension Scheme. Various employee organizations are set to submit a unified memorandum to the JCM soon. The JCM plays a vital role in representing employee interests to the government. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 10th to further discuss these demands. Stay informed about the latest updates and implications for central employees and pensioners.

By Ambika Singh Feb 27, 2026, 12:56 IST

Overview of the Eighth Pay Commission Meeting

A recent meeting of the National Council (Staff Side) and the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) took place in Delhi, where several significant issues concerning the Eighth Pay Commission for central employees and pensioners were discussed.

Key Issues Discussed

During the meeting held on February 25, 2026, various demands were put forth, including:

1. Expanding the family unit from three to five members.

2. Ensuring a minimum of five promotions for employees.

3. Increasing annual increments.

4. Reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

5. Addressing the 18 CPC questions.

6. Raising Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) charges from ₹1,000 to ₹20,000 for non-CGHS cities.

7. Including allowances for essential services such as internet access.

Employee Representation

Various employee organizations, including those from the Defense, Railways, Postal Service, and Income Tax Department, were represented at the meeting. C. Srikumar, Secretary General of the All India Defense Employees Federation (AIDEF), mentioned efforts to reach a consensus on critical issues like minimum basic pay and promotion policies. In the upcoming days, these associations will compile their demands related to the Eighth Pay Commission and present a unified memorandum to the JCM within the next 10 to 15 days.

Understanding the JCM

The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) serves as an official platform for dialogue between the Government of India and its employees. Its role in the context of the Eighth Pay Commission is crucial, as it facilitates the drafting and presentation of employee demands to the government.

Next Steps and Upcoming Meetings

Manjeet Singh Patel, representing the Central Government Employees Confederation, announced that once the JCM finalizes the common memorandum, it will be submitted to Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the 8th Pay Commission. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 10th to discuss this memorandum, which is expected to be forwarded to the 8th Pay Commission within 1-2 weeks. Key topics such as minimum pay, fitment factors, and pensioners will be addressed.