8th CPC – AIDEF Urges Centre to Amend Terms of Reference: Calls for Inclusion of Pensioners and Restoration of OPS

The All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) has written to the Union Finance Minister and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking urgent amendments to the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), which were notified by the Ministry of Finance on 3 November 2025. The federation has expressed strong reservations over key omissions in the current ToR and called for the inclusion of pension revision and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) among other crucial issues.

Missing Stakeholders’ Expectations in ToR

AIDEF has pointed out that the ToR concerning the revision of emoluments of Central Government employees differs significantly from that of the 7th CPC.
While the 7th CPC explicitly referred to the “expectations of stakeholders” and aimed to foster “excellence in public governance,” the 8th CPC ToR, according to AIDEF, omits this vital aspect.
The federation has therefore urged that the present ToR be redrafted on par with the 7th CPC, ensuring that employees’ expectations and participation are recognized as an integral part of the process.

Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

A major demand reiterated by AIDEF is the restoration of the Non-Contributory Pension Scheme under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021), in place of the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
With over 26 lakh Central Government employees under the NPS, the federation emphasized that their call for reverting to OPS has been long-standing and should be formally included in the 8th CPC’s Terms of Reference.

Inclusion of 69 Lakh Pensioners in 8th CPC

The federation has also protested the exclusion of more than 69 lakh Central Government pensioners and family pensioners from the purview of the 8th CPC.
Describing this as “unjustified and discriminatory,” AIDEF noted that these pensioners have served the nation for decades and are now being denied their legitimate right to pension revision.
Citing the 7th CPC ToR, which had included a clause for examining pension structure and revision, AIDEF urged the government to amend the 8th CPC notification accordingly to cover existing pensioners and family pensioners.

Other Key Demands

In its letter, signed by C. Srikumar, General Secretary of AIDEF and Leader of the Staff Side (Departmental Council, JCM, Ministry of Defence), the federation also requested:

• Restoration of commuted value of pension after 11 years, instead of the existing 15 years.
• 5% additional pension for retirees every five years after retirement, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
• Inclusion of a specific clause in the ToR directing the 8th CPC to recommend the date of effect of its implementation, maintaining the historical pattern of 1 January implementation dates (1986, 1996, 2006, 2016).

Implementation Date Must Be Clearly Stated

AIDEF highlighted that while earlier Pay Commissions had explicit references regarding the effective date of implementation, the 8th CPC ToR lacks such clarity.
The federation warned that this omission gives the impression that the government may decide the implementation date unilaterally.
Given the decade-wise pattern, AIDEF insisted that the 8th CPC’s recommendations should come into effect from 1 January 2026.

Appeal for Action

Concluding its appeal, AIDEF expressed confidence that the Defence Minister and Finance Minister would consider these suggestions in the right spirit and issue necessary amendments to ensure fairness for both serving employees and pensioners.
Copies of the representation have also been sent to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Secretary, and the Secretary (Staff Side), National Council (JCM) for their information and necessary action.

View AIDEF letter: