The Staff Side of NC-JCM has recommended nine critical points that should be included before submitting a joint memorandum representing all central government employee bodies.

In a letter dated April 1, 2026, Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of NC-JCM, wrote to Pankaj Jain, Member Secretary of the 8th Pay Commission, stating that these points reflect major employee and pensioner concerns. Incorporating them would ensure a more inclusive, effective, and comprehensive submission process.

8th Pay Commission: What is NC-JCM?

NC-JCM stands for National Council - Joint Consultative Machinery. It is a joint platform where the government and central government employees discuss service conditions, salary, pensions, and other employment-related matters. Its purpose is to ensure that employee concerns are heard before key decisions, such as pay revisions or pension reforms, are made.

The Staff Side of NC-JCM submits recommendations, feedback, and inputs to the 8th Pay Commission on behalf of millions of central government employees, making it the official representative body for government workers in policy discussions.

8th Pay Commission Should Highlight Pensioner Concerns

The NC-JCM emphasized that pensioners' issues require a dedicated section in the questionnaire. Key concerns include retirement benefits, pension revisions, parity, restoration of commuted pensions, pension enhancement, and other welfare measures. Addressing these concerns is critical for a fair and comprehensive review under the 8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission Needs Provision for NPS/UPS and Old Pension Scheme

Government employees under the National Pension System (NPS) and Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) face various challenges and grievances. NC-JCM requested that the non-contributory Pension Scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules 1972/2021 be restored. They also suggested that the questionnaire include a section for employees to submit their views on this matter for the 8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission Must Include Women Employees' Welfare

The NC-JCM asked for a separate section addressing women employees' welfare. This includes workplace safety, maternity benefits, menstrual welfare, childcare leave (CCL), gender equity, and other programs. Including these issues ensures that women employees' concerns are well represented in the 8th Pay Commission recommendations.

8th Pay Commission Should Address Department-Specific Issues

Different government departments have unique challenges, operational needs, and cadre-specific issues. NC-JCM proposed that the questionnaire allow department-specific submissions to help develop targeted policies under the 8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission Submission Deadline Extension Requested

The Staff Side requested an extension for submitting department-specific memorandums until May 31, 2026. This extra time allows federations, unions, and associations to consult with their members nationwide before sending their consolidated feedback to the 8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission Should Increase Word Limit for Responses

The current questionnaire limits responses to 3,500 characters (around 500 words), which is not enough for complex topics. NC-JCM suggested increasing the limit to 1,000 words per theme, allowing employees to provide detailed explanations, data, and justifications in their 8th Pay Commission submissions.

8th Pay Commission Needs Structured Format for Subquestions

The current format does not clearly allow answers to all subquestions or subtitles under each main theme. NC-JCM requested a structured format to enable respondents to answer each question systematically, ensuring complete and organized submissions to the 8th Pay Commission.

8th Pay Commission Should Increase Attachment Size

The existing 2 MB attachment limit is restrictive for detailed documents, reports, and annexures. NC-JCM recommended raising this limit to 10 MB, allowing stakeholders to submit full supporting materials in their 8th Pay Commission responses.

8th Pay Commission Should Allow Alternative Submission Methods

NC-JCM also suggested allowing stakeholders to submit inputs via email or hard copy, in addition to online submissions. This would improve accessibility, reduce technical barriers, and encourage wider participation in the 8th Pay Commission review process.