8th Pay Commission in Focus: Hike in Salaries and Pension Likely for Government Staff

Indian government employees have put forward their requests for the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission. They anticipate benefits like the restoration of the old pension scheme, cashless medical treatment, and educational assistance.

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8th Pay Commission

Government employees across India have submitted requests for the 8th Pay Commission, expected from January 1, 2026. Around 4.5 million employees and 6.8 million pensioners will be affected. Employee unions have requested reforms, including the return of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), cashless medical treatment, and educational assistance for children. These proposals are under review.

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Government Employees

Restoring the old pension scheme for employees who joined government service after 2004 is a major demand. These employees are currently under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), which is contribution-based and considered less secure.

Employees want a guaranteed pension after retirement, like the one provided under the previous OPS. They also demand equal pension benefits for both old and new pensioners and regular pension increases every five years.

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Demand to the Central Government

Many are asking the government to ensure fully cashless treatment facilities, especially for retired employees who face long delays. Retirees, particularly from sectors like the postal service, struggle to get proper medical care. Given the rising education costs, employee unions are urging the government to provide financial aid for their children's schooling.

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Minimum Wage Calculation

Educational assistance should be provided to all employees, including hostel subsidies for children living away from home for studies. This support should extend to the postgraduate level, ensuring children from government employee families aren't forced to compromise on higher education due to finances.

There's also a strong demand to revise the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme to include additional categories like Gramin Dak Sevaks, paramilitary forces, and employees of autonomous government institutions.

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Central Government Pay Hike

Workers in hazardous jobs, like handling explosives, chemicals, or weapons, are asking for separate hazard pay and insurance coverage. They've also proposed changes to the pay scale system and requested an increase in the Standard Consumption Unit (SCU) used to calculate the minimum wage. The government is reviewing all recommendations and will finalize the commission's scope after consulting key departments.