Ever since the Center released the Terms of Reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission last November, many employee representative bodies have expressed concern that many of their key demands are not clearly reflected in the final framework. As the process of 8th Pay Commission is now gaining momentum, expectations are increasing among Central Government employees and pensioners. This time the discussion is not limited to changes in fitment factor or basic pay. Another important suggestion is to increase the fixed medical allowance from Rs 1,000 per month to Rs 20,000 per month, especially for those employees and pensioners who are not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme Network.
Employee organizations had started putting forth their demands before the government in January last year itself, when the central government had announced the creation of the 8th Pay Commission. The Ministry of Finance had also sought suggestions on the Terms of Reference (ToR) from the staff side of the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM). The staff side says that many of their important demands could not find place in the final ToR. Displeasure was expressed over lack of clear information on issues like fitment factor, restoration of OPS and medical facilities. Recently, the 8th Pay Commission was given an office in Chandralok Building located on Janpath. The chairperson of the commission is former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. This is being considered as a signal for the commencement of the work of the commission.
drafting committee meeting
The process of finalizing a charter of demands began in the nearly week-long meeting of the NC-JCM drafting committee in the capital, which began on February 25. Many important demands related to about 1 crore central employees and pensioners have been included in this draft.
Biggest offer on FMA
The most discussed demand is that the fixed medical allowance should be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 20,000 per month in non-CGHS areas. Employees’ organizations say that Rs 1,000 is a very small amount compared to the current medical inflation. This amount is not enough especially for pensioners living in villages or remote areas. The union argues that when health expenditure has increased rapidly, the medical allowance should also be increased as per the ground realities.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the official action of the 8th Pay Commission and its recommendations. If demands like increasing the FMA to Rs 20,000 per month are accepted, it could prove to be a big relief, especially for pensioners living in non-CGHS areas. At present, employee organizations are busy strengthening their agenda. In the coming months, it will become clear to what extent the government accepts these demands and to what extent the 8th Pay Commission meets the expectations of the employees.
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