As the first round of meetings of the 8th Pay Commission began in Delhi, employee representatives have placed a wide set of demands before the panel, calling for higher pay, pension reforms and better service conditions.
A note issued by Shiva Gopal Mishra, Convenor – NC (JCM) Staff Side | General Secretary – AIRF | NRMU, after the April 28 meeting gives a detailed account of what was discussed and what employees are seeking.
“The first meeting was held today on 28/04/2026,” the note said, adding that discussions “concluded positively” while calling for “more meetings with the 8th CPC”.
India Today has also reported from the , capturing on-ground developments and conversations around the process.
The report includes exclusive inputs and an interview with Shiva Gopal Mishra, offering deeper insight into how employee representatives are approaching the discussions and what they expect from the Commission.
At the centre of the demands is a sharp revision in minimum pay.
“The requirement for essential technological expenditure etc have derived Rs 69000/- as Minimum Pay,” the note stated, laying out the staff side’s calculation for a five-member family.
Alongside this, the staff side has proposed a fitment factor of 3.83.
“Minimum Pay from Rs 18000/- has been increased to Rs 69000/- therefore 3.833 is taken as the fitment factor,” the document said.
Employees have also demanded a higher annual increment.
“Employees should get 6% of their basic pay as annual increment which is fully justified,” the note added.
The
“Five promotions in a time scale manner within 30 years of service” have been proposed to address stagnation, it said.
On pay structure, the staff side has recommended merging pay scales “to reduce the number of pay scales” while considering qualifications, skills and experience.
The note calls for a significant increase in allowances.
“All the allowances may be increased by three times All Allowances would be linked with DA increase,” it said.
It also proposes wider employee benefits, including interest-free advances and restoration of certain allowances.
On pensions, the staff side has taken a strong position.
“The phrase ‘Unfunded Pension’ is not correct,” the note said, arguing for continuation of the non-contributory pension system.
It has also sought withdrawal of NPS and UPS, saying the demand has been justified in its memorandum and should be discussed separately.
Several changes to leave policies have also been proposed.
“No limit on EL accumulation and encashment up to 600 days while on retirement,” the note said.
It also recommended expanded leave benefits, including child care leave, paternity leave, menstrual leave and special leave for caregiving and medical needs.
The staff side has also proposed:
Increasing accidental death compensation to Rs 2 croreRemoving the 5% ceiling on compassionate appointmentsLinking bonus to actual Basic Pay plus DA
“Bonus ceiling should be removed and it should be on the actual Basic Pay + DA,” the note said.
Beyond financial demands, the document stresses the need for a wider consultative process.
It calls for more meetings with unions and federations and separate discussions with different departments.
“We have demanded that in coming days there should be more interaction with the Staff Side,” the note said.
According to the document, the Commission acknowledged the demands and assured further engagement.
“There will be much more meetings with the Staff Side and time slot will be given,” it noted.
The Commission also said it would visit field units and “dispassionately consider all those demands”.