8th Pay Commission Update: During a meeting concerning the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees and pensioners, several key issues—including salaries, pensions, promotions, and allowances—were discussed.

8th Pay Commission Update: A significant meeting regarding the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees and pensioners has taken place. During this meeting, discussions were held on salaries, pensions, promotions, allowances, and various essential demands of the employees. Consequently, the hopes of millions of employees and retirees have been rekindled. On May 11, 2026, the 49th meeting of the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NCJCM) was held under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan. In this meeting, employee unions and senior government officials engaged in detailed discussions on several critical issues.

Who Attended the Meeting?

It is noteworthy that several high-ranking officials were present at this meeting, including the Chairman of the Railway Board, the Expenditure Secretary, the Personnel Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Posts, the Education Secretary, and the Health Secretary. Meanwhile, representing the employees, several delegates—including Shiv Gopal Mishra, M. Raghavaiah, and Dr. N. Kanaiya—participated in the proceedings.

What Issues Were Raised During the Meeting?

During this meeting, the employees raised several crucial issues related to the 8th Pay Commission. These included:

Minimum Pay
Fitment Factor
Increment Rate
Promotion Policy
Allowances
Pension-related matters
Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Demands of existing pensioners
Additionally, the employee unions requested the government to maintain regular dialogue throughout the operational phase of the 8th Pay Commission.

Resentment Expressed Over Irregularity in Meetings

Employee representatives pointed out that, in accordance with JCM rules, three meetings are mandated annually; however, over the past 60 years, only 49 meetings have actually taken place. They demanded that meetings be conducted on a regular basis. Issues Related to Medical Care and CGHS

During this meeting, employees demanded full reimbursement for CGHS and medical expenses. Requests were also made to cover costs associated with items such as hearing aids, dental implants, and dentures. The Cabinet Secretary issued directives to take a decision on these matters within three months.

Major Demands for Pensioners

Employee unions demanded that pensions be increased every five years. Additionally, a demand was put forward to raise the Fixed Medical Allowance to ₹3,000 per month.

Demands for Changes in Family Pension

The unions demanded a revision of the definition of “family” to include widows and dependent daughters-in-law within the ambit of the Family Pension Scheme.

Discussions Regarding OPS

Employee organizations demanded that employees recruited prior to December 22, 2003, be granted the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Concerns Over Delays in Promotions

Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding delays of 3 to 5 years in promotions across several departments. The Cabinet Secretary stated that instructions would be issued to ensure that Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) are convened in a timely manner.

Questions Regarding Outsourcing

Meanwhile, the unions pointed out that outsourcing is on the rise in many departments, often at the expense of permanent recruitment. They demanded that regular recruitment be conducted to fill vacant positions. Employee organizations specifically requested the removal of the 5 percent cap on such appointments and called for an increase in the number of appointments made. The Cabinet Secretary clarified that appointments on compassionate grounds cannot be halted.

What Can Employees Expect?

Following this meeting, there is hope that many of the employees’ demands will be given serious consideration within the framework of the 8th Pay Commission. In particular, decisions related to salaries, pensions, medical facilities, and promotions could bring significant relief to millions of employees.