INDIA
8th Pay Commission: Central Government Teachers Demand Old Pension Scheme, Pay Parity And Retirement Age Hike
A representative body of central government school teachers presented a comprehensive list of demands to the 8th Pay Commission during a consultation meeting in New Delhi.
Representative Image (Photo Credit- Pixabay)
A representative body of central government school teachers presented a comprehensive list of demands to the 8th Pay Commission during a consultation meeting in New Delhi. Representing educators from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Delhi MCD and NDMC schools, and Union Territory administration schools under the umbrella of the All India NPS Employees’ Federation (AINPSEF), the group advocated for uniform pay scales, the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), an increased retirement age of 65 years, expanded leave allowances, and improved promotion quotas across all central government schools.
Equal Pay and Universal Service Conditions
A core theme highlighted by the delegation was the need for standardized pay and benefits across all regions. Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of AINPSEF, emphasized that operational expenses across cities in India have largely converged, making uniform remuneration essential for equitable service conditions.
Under the principle of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat," the federation urged the panel to remove disparities in allowances and facilities between educators posted in major metropolitan areas like Delhi and those serving in states or Union Territories such as Bihar or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 8th Pay Commission: Will Salaries Double? Fitment Factor, DA Merger and 7-Year Salary Growth Explained.
Pension Reform and Retirement Age Extension
Pension security remains a primary concern for central government educators. The delegation formally petitioned for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which provides a defined pension based on final drawn salary. While teachers recruited on or after January 1, 2004, are currently enrolled under the National Pension System (NPS) - with the option to join the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) - the federation reiterated its preference for the guaranteed structure of OPS. 8th Pay Commission Stakeholder Meetings: Complete City-Wise Schedule, Dates and Application Process.
Additionally, the teachers' body submitted a proposal to extend the compulsory retirement age for school teachers from 60 to 65 years, citing the retention of experienced academic staff.
Structural and Promotional Revisions
To address career stagnation, the federation outlined specific adjustments to organizational structures and promotion quotas:
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Principal Appointments: Recommended reserving a 50% departmental promotion quota for existing teachers to elevate to principal positions, accompanied by a 25% departmental examination quota.
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Delhi Teachers' Advancement: Requested a 100% promotional quota for Delhi government teachers seeking advancement to the post of vice principal.
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New Promotional Cadre: Proposed establishing a new post titled "Head of Subject" carrying a grade pay of ₹5,400, alongside increasing the vice principal grade pay to ₹6,600.
Enhanced Leave Entitlements and Medical Care
The federation proposed revised annual leave quotas for central government teachers, including:
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14 casual leaves, 30 earned leaves, and 20 medical leaves per year.
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Cashless medical services during active tenure.
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Extension of Child Care Leave (CCL) benefits to male teachers who are the sole employed parent in a household.
For post-retirement health coverage, the delegation requested that retiring Delhi government teachers be allowed to choose between the Delhi Government Employees' Health Scheme (DGEHS) and the Central Government Employees' Health Scheme (CGHS), enabling teachers returning to home states after retirement to access nearby healthcare facilities.
Commission Timeline and Framework
The New Delhi consultation marks the beginning of a broader nation-wide engagement exercise by the 8th Pay Commission. Following the Delhi sessions ending August 10, the commission will conduct further consultations in Chennai, Puducherry, Chandigarh, and Jaipur through late August and early September.
In evaluating these demands, the 8th Pay Commission will weigh factors specified in its terms of reference, including national economic conditions, fiscal prudence, state government budget impacts, developmental spending requirements, and the long-term liabilities of non-contributory pension systems.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2026 03:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
