New Delhi. The expectations of central government employees and pensioners regarding the 8th Pay Commission are continuously increasing. Meanwhile, Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), an organization representing the interests of pensioners, has put forward several important suggestions before the Commission. These include increasing the minimum pension several times from the current level, a major increase in the minimum basic salary of employees and many important changes in the pension system.
BPS delegation met 8th Pay Commission officials in New Delhi and put forth their demands on various issues related to employees and pensioners. The organization has proposed to increase the minimum pension from Rs 9,000 to at least Rs 45,000 per month. If this demand is accepted then the minimum pension may increase up to five times.
Demand for minimum pension of Rs 45 thousand
Bharat Pensioners Society says that in the new salary system the minimum pension should not be kept at the current level of Rs 9 thousand. The organization has suggested increasing it to Rs 45 thousand. Along with this, a demand has also been made to link the pension with the final salary of the employee. According to the proposal, the minimum pension of the employee should be around 67 percent of the last salary and the family pension should be 50 percent of the last salary.
Demand to restore commuted pension in 11 years
There has also been a demand for change in the pension commutation system. BPS wants the commuted pension portion for employees retiring at the age of 60 to be restored after 11 years instead of the current 15 years or at the age of 71, whichever is earlier. Apart from this, the organization has also suggested to make the system of giving additional pension more favorable as the age increases.
Demand for review of salary and pension every five years
BPS has also demanded changes in the existing long-term system of Pay Commission. The organization wants that the salary and pension of the employees should be revised every five years. This will allow salaries and pensions to be updated from time to time in line with inflation and rising cost of living. Apart from this, demand has also been raised to remove disparity in pension and proper pension determination among the employees retiring around January 1, 2026.
Emphasis on medical facilities for retired employees
Keeping in view the health expenses of the pensioners, the organization has also demanded to strengthen the medical facilities. It has been suggested to provide cashless treatment facility especially for such pensioners who live in areas not covered by CGHS. Along with this, a fixed medical allowance of Rs 5,000 and better health coverage for pensioners living in rural and non-CGHS areas has been demanded.