Key Developments in the Eighth Pay Commission for Central Employees
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
#8CPC को सभी केंद्रीय कर्मचारियों की तरफ से कॉमन रिप्रेजेंटेशन देने के लिए #JCM स्टाफ साइड ने अपनी बैठक कर ली है। संभवतः हफ्ते दस दिन में फाइनल रिप्रेजेंटेशन तैयार हो ही जाएगा। इस बात की संभावना जगभर जीरो ही है कि केंद्र शासित प्रदेश और केंद्रीय ऑटोनॉमस बॉडीज के कर्मचारियों के… pic.twitter.com/FJeEr9ILLo
— Dr Manjeet Singh Patel (@ManjeetIMOPS) February 25, 2026
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.
