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New Delhi. Relief news has emerged for lakhs of central employees and pensioners of the country. Now the Central Government has shown a positive attitude on many important demands that have been pending for a long time. In the recently held 49th annual meeting of NC-JCM, many sensitive issues to pension and old pension scheme were discussed in detail.

This meeting was presided over by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, in which seriousness was shown on the demands raised by the employee organizations. The most important thing is that assurance has been given to send some major demands for consideration of the upcoming 8th Pay Commission. This has given new hope to central employees and pensioners.

Preparation to increase pension every 5 years

At present, major increases in pension happen only after the implementation of the new pay commission, which comes approximately once in 10 years. But due to rising inflation, elderly pensioners have to face financial pressure. Now employee organizations have demanded that pension should be revised every 5 years so that the effect of inflation can be reduced. Taking this proposal seriously, the government has indicated to send it to the 8th Pay Commission. If this is implemented then lakhs of pensioners can get relief at regular intervals.

Demand to stop cut in family pension

According to the current rules, after the death of an employee, the family pension received by his family is reduced to 30 percent. Due to this, many families suddenly fall into financial crisis. A demand was raised in the meeting that in view of the financial security of the family, there should not be such a huge cut in the family pension. The government has also agreed to send this issue to the 8th Pay Commission. This has increased the chances of families getting more financial security in the future.

Preparation to provide relief to disabled dependents

Disabled dependent children have to submit income certificates again and again to get family pension. This process proves to be extremely difficult and distressing for many families. Now the government has decided to review this system. Instructions have been given to the concerned department to simplify this rule on humanitarian grounds and if necessary, the requirement of income certificate should be removed. This can provide great relief to thousands of disabled dependents.

Family pension to widow daughter-in-law also

A socially important demand was also raised in the meeting. It was proposed that if an employee’s son has died, his widowed daughter-in-law should also be considered a family member and given the benefit of family pension. The government has decided to review the rules after discussing this suggestion with the Law Ministry and concerned departments. If this change is implemented, many families will be able to get financial support.

Hope increased for pensioners

After this meeting of NC-JCM, it is clearly believed that the government is showing seriousness on the issues to employees and pensioners before the 8th Pay Commission. Positive signals especially on subjects like pension reform, OPS and family pension have given hope to millions of families. If these proposals are approved in the coming time, it can prove to be a big relief for central employees and pensioners.

Benefit of old pension scheme

A big issue regarding the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was also raised in the meeting. There are many employees whose recruitment process had started before 22 December 2003, but due to administrative delays, their appointment took place after 2004. Such employees were included in the New Pension Scheme (NPS). Now employee organizations have demanded that such employees should be given the benefits of the old pension scheme. The government has sought a detailed proposal in this matter and has indicated a positive view. Apart from this, the path of relief seems to be opening in cases of compassionate appointment also. It has been agreed to provide OPS benefits to those families who had applied before 2003 but got jobs later.