NC JCM Urges for Immediate 8th Central Pay Commission for Pay Revision
NC JCM Urges for Immediate 8th Central Pay Commission for Pay Revision: The National Council (Staff Side) has formally requested the urgent and immediate constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission for the purpose of revising the pay, allowances, pensions, and other benefits of Central Government employees. Despite the implementation of the 7th CPC back in 2016, critical demands for higher minimum pay and Fitment Factor have remained unaddressed.
In light of the substantial inflation rates, the rise in government revenue, and the stagnant nature of current salary structures, it has become imperative to take action to both attract and retain qualified employees within the government sector. The council stresses the pressing need for fair compensation adjustments through the upcoming 8th CPC to effectively tackle these pertinent issues and ensure the welfare and satisfaction of the dedicated workforce.
Also Read: Expected 8th Central Pay Commission: Implementation Date and Salary Structure
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NC JCM Urges for Immediate 8th Central Pay Commission for Pay Revision, Allowances, and Pension
On the 3rd of June 2024, a letter was penned by the secretary of the National Council (Staff Side) for Consultative Machinery (JCM) to the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of India, urging the prompt formation of the 8th Pay Commission panel. The missive underscores the following key points:
The 7th Central Pay Commission recommended a minimum pay of Rs. 18,000 per month from 01.01.2016, which was lower than the demand of Rs. 26,000 by the Staff Side. Despite the Staff Side’s arguments and demand for a Fitment Factor of 3.68%, the government accepted the 7th CPC’s recommendations of 2.57% without negotiation. This led to dissatisfaction among the Staff Side, resulting in a strike notice demanding a revision of minimum pay and Fitment Factor. A Committee of Ministers was formed to negotiate, but no positive steps were taken by the government to address the Staff Side’s demands.
Also Check: 7th Pay Matrix Table: Level, Stage, Increment and Salary Structure
8th Central Pay Commission: Immediate Constitution for Pay Revision
Inflation is currently higher post-COVID compared to pre-COVID levels, with essential commodity prices increasing by over 80% from 2016 to 2023. Despite this, the Dearness Allowance provided to employees and pensioners has only increased by around 46%. The Central Government’s revenue has doubled from 2015 to 2023, indicating increased paying capacity. GST collection in April 2023 was Rs. 1.87 lakh crores, and income tax collections were highest in 2022-23, showing a growth of 24.23% over the previous year.
Also Read: Expected DA Calculator from July 2024 | 53% for CG Employees!
NC JCM Urges for Immediate 8th Central Pay Commission for Pay Revision
India’s indirect tax collections have increased in 2022-23, with a rise of 7.21% to Rs 13.82 lakh crore. The Budget estimate for revenue collection in 2023-24 is expected to be Rs 33,60,858 crores. There are around 10 lakh vacancies for Central Government employees, leading to work pressure on existing staff. The expenses for wages and allowances for Central Government employees in 2020-21 were only 7.29% of total revenue expenditure. The recommendation is to review and revise the matrix for employee salaries based on the Aykroyd formula periodically.
Formation of 8th CPC for Pay Revisions: NC JCM’s Letter to Cabinet Secretary
The Government has not accepted recommendations to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission. Central Government employees’ DA has crossed 50%, impacting their take-home pay due to NPS contributions. The demand is to scrap NPS and restore the Pension under CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 for employees recruited after 01.01.2004. To address these issues and attract qualified candidates, there is a demand to immediately constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission for revising pay scales, allowances, pensions, and other benefits.