The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has submitted a detailed representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India requesting urgent amendments to the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC).
Read details on ToR here
The letter dated 15 November 2025 highlights critical issues affecting lakhs of serving employees and nearly 69 lakh pensioners, urging the Government to ensure fairness, clarity and constitutional protection of pension rights.
This blog explains the key demands raised in the Confederation letter and why they matter for Central Government employees, pensioners, and future retirees.
1. Need for Clear Date of Implementation: 01.01.2026
The Confederation points out that all previous Pay Commissions – 4th, 5 th, 6 th and 7 th CPC – clearly specified 01 January as the date of effect.
- 4th CPC: 01.01.1986
- 5th CPC: 01.01.1996
- 6th CPC: 01.01.2006
- 7th CPC: 01.01.2016
However, the 8th CPC ToR does NOT mention any effective date creating unnecessary confusion. The Confederation demands that the ToR be amended to explicitly include 01.01.2026 as the implementation date – to maintain the established 10-year revision cycle.
2. Include Pension Revision for All Pensioners & Family Pensioners
The absence of pensioners in the ToR has created serious concern among nearly 69 lakh retirees including those under:
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
- National Pension System (NPS)
The Confederation demands explicit inclusion of the following clause:
“To examine the principles governing pension structure and revise pension for all pensioners, irrespective of their retirement date – before or after 1.1.2026.”
Why this is important?
The ToR uses the phrase “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” which the Confederation says inappropriate, misleading and disrespectful to constitutionally protected pension rights. The letter also cites several Supreme Court judgments affirming that:
- Pension is a constitutional right under Article 300A
- Pension is not a bounty at the employer’s discretion
- Pension constitutes social and economic justice
The Confederation thus demands deletion of this negative terminology and full inclusion of pensioners in the CPC mandate.
3. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Nearly 26 lakh employees recruited after 01.01.2004 are under NPS/UPS. The Confederation notes that:
- Hardly 1 lakh employees have switched from NPS to UPS.
- Majority are dissatisfied with both NPS and UPS.
- Employees overwhelmingly prefer the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Thus, it demands that 8th CPC must be directed to examine existing pension schemes and recommend the most beneficial one including OPS restoration.
4. Extend 8th CPC Benefits to Autonomous Bodies & GDS
The Confederation demands that CPC benefits must automatically extend to Centrally funded Autonomous Bodies, Statutory Bodies, Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) – the backbone of the Postal Department
5. Grant 20% Interim Relief (IR) Immediately
Due to delay in constitution & implementation of the 8th CPC rising inflation and financial stress, the Confederation demands 20% Interim Relief to all Central Government employees to offset losses caused by delayed implementation and inflation. This would help maintain morale and ensure smooth functioning of government machinery.
6. Improve Health Schemes – Strengthen CGHS
The Confederation calls for a complete review of the health facilities under CGHS.
Key demands include:
- Expansion of CGHS wellness centres in all district headquarters
- Making medical treatment cashless and hassle-free
- Ensuring coverage for employees & pensioners in Autonomous Bodies
- Examining Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations on CGHS
7. Additional Demands on Pensionary Benefits
The Confederation also urges the 8th CPC to review Restoration of commuted pension after 11 years, Grant of additional pension every 5 years after retirement and Improvement of CGEGIS coverage for employees & pensioners.
The Confederation’s detailed letter strongly advocates for inclusive, fair and welfare-oriented amendments to the 8th CPC ToR. Key themes in their representation include:
- Clarity : Date of effect must be 01.01.2026
- Justice : Pensioners cannot be excluded
- Security : OPS restoration must be examined
- Equity : Autonomous bodies & GDS must be covered
- Support : CGHS reforms and Interim Relief are crucial
The ball is now in the Government’s court to consider these demands and issue appropriate amendments to the 8th CPC Terms of Reference.
View Representation made by Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers
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