The staff side of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery NC JCM) has written a letter to the 8th Pay Commission, raising concerns regarding the current process of submission of memorandum. In this letter, the representatives have highlighted several important issues and suggested some measures to make this process more inclusive, comprehensive and effective.
The Joint Consultative Machinery serves as a platform where employee representatives and government officials discuss service-related issues and resolve disputes through negotiations. This development is very important for the central government employees and pensioners, because the upcoming 8th Pay Commission will directly impact their salary, pension and work related benefits. This letter puts the concerns of the employees – especially pension related concerns – at the center of the discussion.
What was said in the letter?
In this letter dated April 1, 2026, the Staff Side addressed Pankaj Jain, Member Secretary, 8th Pay Commission. This letter was sent by Shiva Gopal Mishra, Staff Side Secretary of NC JCM. Referring to earlier correspondence and discussions, the Staff Side said that many stakeholders have raised concerns about the current structure of the memorandum submission process and its limitations. This letter stressed the need to resolve these issues, so as to ensure that more and more people participate in this process and more detailed suggestions are received. The letter read that these concerns are being expressed extensively by stakeholders, and necessary changes need to be made to ensure a more inclusive, comprehensive and effective memorandum submission system.
This demand list
- Increasing the word limit: The current limit of 3,500 characters—which is equivalent to 500 words—has been deemed inadequate by the organization. Therefore, the organization has requested that the word limit for each topic be increased to at least 1,000 words, so that meaningful and complete information can be submitted.
- Clear provisions for sub-questions: The organization said that the current format does not have a clear facility to answer all the sub-questions or sub-titles under each subject. The organization has demanded a systematic format and said that the respondents should be given the facility to answer each sub-question in a systematic manner, without any restrictions.
- Provision for submission of views on Pension Reforms (NPS/UPS/OPS): One of the most important situations highlighted in the letter was the problems faced under NPS (National Pension System) and UPS (Unified Pension Scheme). This organization demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) under CCS rules. The letter said that no contributory pension scheme should be implemented on government employees.
- Pensioners’ issues involving: The staff side demanded creation of a special provision which would address pension related issues, including retirement benefits, revisions, parity in pension, restoration of commuted value of pension, enhancement of pension and other welfare measures.
- Welfare provisions for women employees: The organization proposed that a separate section should be included for issues related to women. These include workplace safety, maternity benefits, menstrual welfare measures, child care leave (CCL) and gender equality policies.
- Department Specific Issues: It has been emphasized in the letter that different government departments have to face their own unique problems. Therefore, it was suggested that a provision be made whereby suggestions or proposals can be submitted on department specific issues for better policy making.
- Extension of time limit for submission of proposal: The staff side has sought more time for consultation on department specific issues, and has proposed a new deadline of May 31, 2026, for submission of the memorandum. The body said that various federations, unions and associations need more time to consult with their affiliated organizations across the country.
- Increasing attachment size limits: The letter has also drawn attention to the technical limitations associated with submitting the memorandum, as the current limit is only 2 MB. It has been proposed that this limit be increased to 10 MB. By doing this it will be possible to submit detailed reports, annexures and data.
- Detail in the methods of proposal submission: Apart from submitting the memorandum online, the letter also suggested that various institutions should be allowed to submit their proposals or representations through online medium as well as through email and hard copy. “This will ensure accessibility, reduce technical barriers, and provide an alternative means of communication,” the organization wrote.
The staff side has expressed its interest in continuing the dialogue with the Commission further. The organization said in the letter that we would like to hold a meeting with the 8th Central Pay Commission on any convenient date after 13-04-2026.