9APRIL, 2026FINANCEOUTLOOKINDIA· Government employees demand 69,000 mini-mum pay and OPS restoration under upcoming 8th Pay Commission.· Proposed changes include higher pension, increased HRA and improved career progression for central government employees.8TH PAY COMMISSION: EMPLOYEES SEEK MINIMUM SALARY OF RS 69,000By Finance Outlook India TeamCentral government employees have put forward key demands for the upcoming 8th Pay Commission, including a minimum salary of Rs 69,000, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and higher annual increments.The draft memorandum, prepared by the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), outlines a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at improving pay structures, pensions, and career progression for government employees.Key Demands by Government EmployeesAccording to the draft proposal submitted by the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery), the major demands include:· Minimum basic pay of 69,000· Fitment factor of 3.83· Annual increment of 6%· Merging 18 pay levels into 7 levels· At least five promotions during service tenure· Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)Pension and HRA ProposalsThe memorandum also recommends significant changes to pension benefits. Employees have demanded that pension be fixed at 67% of the last drawn salary, while family pension should be set at 50%.Additionally, the proposal calls for an increase in the House Rent Allowance (HRA) ceiling to 30%, aiming to better align with rising living costs.Unified Demands from Employee BodiesThe memorandum represents a consolidated list of demands from various central government employee unions and pensioner associations, reflecting a unified stance ahead of the formation of the 8th Pay Commission.If implemented, these proposals could significantly improve the financial security of millions of government employees and pensioners. However, the final decision will depend on the government's review and recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission. REPORT
< Page 8 | Page 10 >