NC JCM Staff Side Writes to PM Modi – Amendment in ToR of 8th Pay Commission & Pension Revision Demand

एनसी जेसीएम स्टाफ साइड ने पीएम मोदी को लिखा पत्र – 8वें वेतन आयोग के ToR में संशोधन और पेंशन संशोधन की मांग

The National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) has written a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting urgent amendments in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

The letter raises serious concerns regarding pension revision for existing pensioners, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), interim relief of 20%, and confirmation of implementation date from 01-01-2026.

Background: Constitution of 8th Pay Commission

The 8th Pay Commission was constituted under the Chairpersonship of Justice Ranjana Desai through a Ministry of Finance notification dated 3rd November 2025.

The Commission is expected to revise salaries, allowances and pensions of more than one crore Central Government employees and pensioners.

1. Demand to Restore “Expectations of Stakeholders” in ToR

The Staff Side pointed out that the 7th Pay Commission ToR included the phrase:

“With due regard to the expectations of stakeholders.”

However, this important phrase is missing in the 8th CPC ToR. The omission has caused disappointment among employees.

Demand: Restore the phrase “expectations of stakeholders” in Clause 2.5 of the ToR.

2. Pension Revision for Existing Pensioners and Family Pensioners

Around 69 lakh Central Government pensioners and family pensioners are not clearly included in the 8th CPC ToR.

The Staff Side demanded that pension revision for pre-2026 retirees must be explicitly included.

Why Pension Revision is Necessary

Pension is not charity but an earned right and deferred wage as held in landmark Supreme Court judgments such as:

• Deokinandan Prasad vs State of Bihar (1971)
• D.S. Nakara vs Union of India (1983)

Additional Pension-Related Demands

• Restoration of commuted pension after 11 years instead of 15 years
• 5% additional pension increase every 5 years after retirement
• Pension revision for all pensioners under CCS Pension Rules 1972 / 2021

3. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

More than 26 lakh employees recruited after 01-01-2004 are covered under National Pension System (NPS).

The Staff Side demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to ensure assured pension and social security after retirement.

4. Objection to Term “Unfunded Cost of Non-Contributory Pension Schemes”

The letter strongly objected to the phrase “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” used in the ToR.

According to Supreme Court rulings, pension is a constitutional right under Article 300A and cannot be treated as a fiscal burden.

Demand: Replace the phrase with language recognizing pension as deferred compensation.

5. Implementation Date of 8th Pay Commission

Previous Pay Commission implementation dates:

Pay Commission	Effective Date
4th CPC	01-01-1986
5th CPC	01-01-1996
6th CPC	01-01-2006
7th CPC	01-01-2016

Following this pattern, the Staff Side demanded that 8th CPC recommendations must take effect from:

01-01-2026

The absence of a clear implementation date in the ToR has created uncertainty among employees.

6. Demand for Interim Relief of 20%

Due to rising inflation and delay in wage revision, the Staff Side requested interim relief of:

At least 20% of Basic Pay and Basic Pension

This relief would provide immediate financial support until final CPC recommendations are implemented.

Why This Letter is Significant

• Represents over 1 crore employees
• Protects interests of 69 lakh pensioners
• Raises OPS restoration issue
• Seeks clear implementation date
• Demands interim financial relief

The NC JCM Staff Side letter to the Prime Minister highlights critical concerns regarding the 8th Pay Commission Terms of Reference. The major demands include pension revision for existing pensioners, restoration of OPS, interim relief of 20%, and implementation from 01-01-2026.

The Government’s response to these demands will significantly impact Central Government employees and pensioners across India.