Key Demands of Central Government Employees
The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Staff Side has written to the Prime Minister, congratulating him on his re-election and requesting the expedited settlement of long-pending demands of Central Government (CG) employees. A copy of this letter has also been forwarded to the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, requesting his due consideration.
For the past two decades, the JCM scheme has been significantly diluted, with meetings not being held as per its constitution. It is imperative that the JCM scheme be strengthened at all levels by ensuring regular meetings and prompt resolution of outstanding issues.
Here are the specific demands:
• A policy decision should be taken to fill all 1.2 million vacant civilian posts across government departments.
• The National Pension System (NPS) should be withdrawn, and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) restored.
• The decision regarding the corporatization of the 222-year-old Indian Ordnance Factories should be withdrawn. Employees should retain their status as Defence Civilian Employees and CG employees until their retirement.
• The 8th Pay Commission should be constituted immediately, as the next pay revision is due from January 1, 2026.
• The 18 months of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears for CG employees and pensioners should be released without further delay.
• Various judgments benefiting similarly situated employees should be implemented. This includes granting a notional increment to employees who retired or are retiring on the last working day of June or December.
• The 5% ceiling limit for compassionate appointments should be removed, allowing for 100% compassionate appointments where eligible.
• Compassionate appointments should be granted to the wards of victims who succumbed to COVID-19.
• The commuted portion of the pension should be restored after the completion of 12 years.
• Pension should be enhanced by 5% every five years, as per the recommendations of the Standing Committee.
• The insurance coverage under the Group Insurance Scheme for Group C employees should be enhanced to ₹15 lakhs.
• CGHS Wellness Centres should be established in all districts. The CGHS scheme should be strengthened by empanelling more multi-specialty hospitals and regularly revising rates for services.
• Railway concessions for senior citizens should be restored.
Finally, a delegation from the Staff Side requests to be permitted to meet in person to discuss these crucial matters.
(JCM Staff Side Letter dated 18.6.2024.)
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