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Major pension-related demands linked to the upcoming 8th Pay Commission were raised during the 49th annual meeting of the National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), where employee representatives submitted several proposals before Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan.

The meeting comes at a crucial time as the 8th Central Pay Commission prepares to recommend the next revision of salaries and pensions for central government employees and pensioners.

Demand for Pension Revision Every Five Years

Employee representatives argued that pension revisions only during Pay Commission cycles are no longer sufficient to address rising inflation and increasing living costs.

The staff side of NC-JCM proposed a system under which pension updates should take place every five years instead of waiting for the next Pay Commission.

According to unions, regular pension revisions would help retired employees cope better with long-term inflationary pressures.

Higher Family Pension Demanded for Dependents

One of the major issues discussed was the demand to increase family pension benefits for dependents of deceased employees and pensioners.

Currently, family pension is generally restricted to 30% of the notional pay of the deceased employee or pensioner. Employee unions opposed this cap and sought better financial support for surviving family members.

At present:

• Full pension is calculated at 50% of the employee’s last drawn average pay along with dearness allowance (DA)
• Family pension is usually limited to 30% of notional pay

The unions argued that dependents require stronger financial protection, especially amid rising living costs.

Relief Sought for Disabled Dependent Children

The staff side of NC-JCM also requested relaxation in pension rules applicable to physically disabled dependent children.

The unions demanded removal of the mandatory “No Income Certificate” requirement currently needed for disabled dependents receiving family pension benefits.

According to employee representatives, the rule often creates unnecessary procedural difficulties for affected families.

OPS Restoration Demand Raised Again

Another major demand involved restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for certain employees affected during the transition to the National Pension System (NPS).

The employee forum argued that workers appointed against vacancies advertised before December 22, 2003 — the cut-off date linked to NPS implementation — should be allowed to receive OPS benefits.

Similar consideration was also sought for compassionate appointments where applications had been submitted before the official notification date.

Proposal to Expand Definition of ‘Family’

Employee unions additionally proposed expanding the definition of “family” for family pension eligibility.

The proposal seeks inclusion of widowed dependent daughters-in-law within the list of eligible family members entitled to pension support after the death of an employee or pensioner.

Government May Examine the Proposals

According to employee representatives, Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T) to examine the proposals in consultation with the Ministry of Law.

While no final decision has been announced yet, the demands are expected to become an important part of discussions surrounding the 8th Pay Commission recommendations in the coming months.