The much-awaited 8th Pay Commission can now proceed, with the government likely to clear the Terms of Reference (ToR) very soon. This will open the doors for final pay, pension, and allowance negotiations, which will be a relief and cheer for many of them.
ToR Expected to Get Government Approval Shortly
The senior officials of the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) have asserted that the central government can approve the ToR within a short while. In an interview, Staff Side Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra stated, “We anticipate that the government will approve it shortly. There should not be any delay now.” Only after ToR approval, the Pay Commission can begin working, do some arithmetic, and prepare rewritten recommendations.
New Demand for New Formula of Minimum Wage
In January, when the government requested proposals on the ToR, the NC-JCM had made a comprehensive proposal. Reformulating the minimum wage formula was one of the recommendations made. Rather than the existing 3-unit system, the staff side demands its extension to a 5-unit basis, including dependent parents.
Mishra pointed out that today’s family institutions have transformed, and helping parents is not only a matter of ethics but also a matter of law, supported by the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2022. If implemented, this reform may better meet employees’ true economic requirements.
Popular Demands That May Yield Substantial Gains
The union’s offers also contain a number of demands that were popular with large support:
Club the reduced levels of pay, such as combining Level 1 with 2 and Level 3 with 4 to facilitate smoother promotions and improved wages.
Bring back commuted pension after 12 years and review pensions every 5 years, providing retirees with frequent hikes.
Club the existing Dearness Allowance, now at 55%, with the basic pay, which was done during the 5th Pay Commission, to assist employees in meeting inflated costs.
Issues Over Delay In The Formation Of Commission
The actual committee has not yet been established, despite the government’s January 2024 approval of the 8th Pay Commission in principle. While January 1, 2026, is the date of implementation planned, constant delays may reschedule it to 2027, causing panic among workers and pensioners.
Why the 8th Pay Commission Really Matters
A Pay Commission is constituted every decade to review and revise the pay, pension, and allowances of more than 1 crore central government employees and pensioners. It makes their income commensurate with the increasing cost of living and inflation. At present, everyone is observing and waiting for the government’s response.