Confederation Seeks Amendment to 8th CPC Terms of Reference to Include Pension Revision and Old Pension Scheme

The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, representing over eight lakh employees across 130 central government departments, has written to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urging amendments to the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the recently constituted 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The Confederation’s letter highlights key omissions in the ToR, particularly the exclusion of pensioners, and calls for inclusion of pension revision, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and grant of interim relief.

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Key Demands Highlighted by the Confederation

1. Implementation Date: 1 January 2026

The Confederation noted that while the ToR of the 8th CPC mentions its constitution and scope, it does not specify the effective date of implementation. Citing precedents of previous commissions —

• 4th CPC: 01.01.1986
• 5th CPC: 01.01.1996
• 6th CPC: 01.01.2006
• 7th CPC: 01.01.2016

the Confederation urged that the 8th CPC recommendations should automatically take effect from 01.01.2026 to maintain the established ten-year wage revision cycle.

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2. Inclusion of Pensioners in ToR

The letter raises concern over the absence of clarity on pension revision for nearly 69 lakh pensioners and family pensioners covered under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), and National Pension System (NPS).

It also objects to the use of the phrase “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” in Para (e)(ii) of the ToR, calling it “inappropriate and insensitive.” The Confederation argued that the term treats pension obligations as fiscal liabilities rather than as a social and constitutional right, as upheld by the Supreme Court of India in landmark cases such as Deokinandan Prasad vs. State of Bihar and D.S. Nakra vs. Union of India.

The Confederation urged the Government to delete this terminology and instead include a clear mandate in the ToR:

“To examine the principles which should govern the structure of pension and other retirement benefits, including revision of pension, parity in pension, and other benefits irrespective of the date of retirement.”

It also sought that the 8th CPC review and recommend reforms in pensionary benefits such as:

• Restoration of commuted pension after 11 years
• Additional quantum of pension/family pension every five years
• Reforms in CGEGIS and
• Enhanced healthcare benefits for pensioners

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3. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

The Confederation reiterated its long-standing demand to restore OPS for employees recruited on or after 1 April 2004, who are currently covered under NPS or UPS. It observed that only around one lakh employees have switched to the Unified Pension Scheme, while the majority remain dissatisfied and prefer the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021).
It urged inclusion of this demand in the ToR, allowing the CPC to examine all pension schemes and recommend the most beneficial one.

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4. Extension to Autonomous Bodies and GDS

The Confederation requested that the benefits of the 8th CPC be extended to autonomous and statutory bodies funded by the Central Government, as well as to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) — described as the backbone of the postal department.

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5. Interim Relief

Acknowledging delays in the constitution and implementation of the 8th CPC, the Confederation sought 20% Interim Relief for Central Government employees to partially offset inflation and maintain morale among 1.2 crore employees.

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6. Strengthening Health Schemes

The letter also recommended reforms in CGHS to ensure cashless and hassle-free medical treatment for all employees and pensioners, including those in autonomous and statutory bodies. It also urged the setting up of CGHS Wellness Centres at all district headquarters.

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Appeal to the Prime Minister

Concluding the letter, S.B. Yadav, Secretary General of the Confederation, expressed confidence that the Government would consider these proposals “in their true perspective” and issue suitable amendments to the ToR published via Gazette Notification on 3 November 2025.

Copies of the letter have been sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Secretary (DoPT), and Finance Secretary for necessary action.

View original letter: