8th Pay Commission Update: Employee Benefits and Health Concerns
Employee organizations are preparing for an Eighth Pay Commission staff meeting, presenting several proposals aimed at improving benefits and welfare. Key issues include increased leave encashment and the availability of healthcare options after retirement, as well as a proposed extension to teachers' retirement age.
Highlights
- •Increase in earned leave encashment from 200 days to 400 days recommended
- •Special leave for traditional events participants requested by employee organizations
- •Proposal for CGHS option post-retirement raised
- •Teachers’ retirement age proposed to be increased to 65 years
Employee organizations are gearing up for the upcoming second staff meeting concerning the Eighth Pay Commission. A critical discussion has revolved around various proposals aimed at improving employee benefits, particularly in relation to leave encashment and healthcare options.
Dr. Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of All India NPS Employees Federation, met with Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary of NC-JCM (Staff Side), to discuss issues affecting employees in Delhi, other Union Territories (UTs), and central autonomous institutions. Attendees presented several key proposals on welfare enhancements.
The most notable issue raised was the request for an increase in earned leave encashment from 200 days to 400 days. Dr. Patel emphasized that this would ensure a greater benefit at retirement, alongside requests for special leave and casual leave (CL) for participating in traditional events.
The proposal also included healthcare welfare, particularly the option for employees to continue contributing to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) even after retirement. Employees suggested receiving cashless medical treatments to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Another critical demand was a review of the retirement age for teachers from 58 years to 65 years, aligning with recommendations made during this meeting.
