The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers is pushing for key revisions in the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), advocating for changes that could significantly impact the financial well-being of employees and pensioners. The core demand involves merging 50% of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with basic pay and pension, alongside granting 20% of pay/pension as an interim relief starting January 1, 2026.
Expressing discontent with the Ministry of Finance’s notification, the employee body is concerned about the exclusion of pension revisions for pensioners and family pensioners from the 8th CPC’s purview. They also oppose the examination of “unfunded Cost Of Non – Contributory Pension Schemes,” fearing it will negatively affect the existing Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
To address these grievances, the Confederation has planned a series of agitational programs, including actions on December 15, 16, and 31, 2025. These actions aim to pressure the government into modifying the Terms of Reference for the 8th CPC, incorporating suggestions for revising emoluments and addressing other critical issues.
Additional demands include scrapping the National Pension System (NPS), restoring the OPS for all employees, and removing distinctions among pensioners based on retirement dates. The All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) has also voiced concerns, highlighting the exclusion of approximately 69 lakh central government pensioners and family pensioners from the 8th CPC’s benefits, urging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to make necessary amendments. These collective efforts underscore the growing pressure on the government to address the financial needs and concerns of its employees and retirees.
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