8th Pay Commission: Know 9 key demands, including push for Old Pension Scheme

In a key development ahead of the 8th Central Pay Commission consultations, the Staff Side of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) has raised concerns over the current memorandum submission process and suggested multiple reforms.

In a letter dated April 1, 2026, Secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra addressed Member Secretary Pankaj Jain, highlighting the need for a more inclusive, flexible, and detailed system. The communication emphasised that current limitations restrict comprehensive representation of employee concerns, particularly on crucial issues like pensions and welfare.

What the issue is about

The National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) serves as a platform for dialogue between government employees and officials. The Staff Side has now urged modifications in how inputs are collected for the 8th Central Pay Commission, stating that the current process needs improvement to better reflect stakeholder concerns.

9 key demands raised

1. Increase in word limit

The current cap of 500 words has been termed insufficient. The body has proposed increasing it to at least 1,000 words per theme to allow detailed and data-backed submissions.

2. Clear provision for sub-questions

The letter calls for a structured format enabling respondents to address sub-parts of each theme clearly and systematically.

3. Separate provision for pension reforms (NPS/UPS/OPS)

A major demand includes addressing issues in the National Pension System and Unified Pension Scheme, along with a strong push to restore the Old Pension Scheme under existing rules.

4. Dedicated section for pensioners

The proposal seeks focused attention on pensioners, including pension revision, parity, restoration of commuted pension, and welfare measures.

5. Focus on women employees’ welfare

The Staff Side has recommended a separate section covering workplace safety, maternity benefits, menstrual welfare, Child Care Leave, and gender equity.

6. Department-specific issues

Different departments face unique challenges. The body has suggested allowing separate submissions to address these effectively.

7. Extension of submission deadline

The current timeline is considered insufficient. A new deadline of May 31, 2026, has been proposed to allow wider consultations.

8. Increase in attachment size limit

The existing 2 MB upload cap has been termed restrictive. The proposal seeks to raise it to 10 MB for detailed reports and annexures.

9. Multiple modes of submission

To improve accessibility, the letter suggests allowing submissions via email and hard copy, in addition to the online system.

Why OPS demand is significant

The push for the Old Pension Scheme is one of the most critical aspects of the proposal. The Staff Side argues that government employees should not be under contributory pension systems and has called for reconsideration of existing pension frameworks.

Why this matters

These recommendations come at a crucial stage of consultations for the 8th Central Pay Commission. If accepted, they could significantly shape how employee unions and associations present their demands, especially on sensitive issues like pensions, welfare, and pay structures.

The move also coincides with ongoing consultation visits by the Commission, including a scheduled interaction in Dehradun later this month, making stakeholder input particularly important.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on a letter submitted by the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM) to the 8th Pay Commission. The points outlined are proposed recommendations, and no final decision has been taken by the government so far.)