8th Pay Commission: Uniform Fitment Factor, OROP, Higher Gratuity Among Key Demands For Pensioners

The drafting committee of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (staff side) has submitted a comprehensive 51-page memorandum ahead of the 8th Pay Commission. They placed strong emphasis on improving the financial security and welfare of central government pensioners.

Submitted on April 13, 2026, the document proposes a range of reforms, including a uniform fitment factor for both employees and pensioners, along with a significant hike in retirement benefits. 

Also Read: 8th Pay Commission Arrears: Rs 10 Lakh-Plus Payout Possible For Level 1 Employees

Here are the key demands for pensioners raised by the drafting committee of NC-JCM in its common memorandum.

One Rank One Pension scheme for civilian pensioners: One of the major demands is the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for civilian pensioners, taking an example from the scheme currently applicable to armed forces personnel. If accepted, this would ensure that retirees holding the same rank, irrespective of whether they retire before, after, or even in the future, will be paid equal pensions on the same designation.

Increase in maximum gratuity: The staff side of NC-JCM has suggested that the amount for gratuity should be determined based on 25 effective working days in a month rather than 30 days. The last recommendation is related to removing the cap of 16.5 times salary on gratuity.

Increase in full and family pensions: The NC-JCM drafting committee's memorandum further calls for an increase in full pension from 50% to 67% of the last drawn salary or the average emoluments over the final 10 months of service. In addition, it recommends reducing the pension commutation restoration period to 11–12 years, offering quicker financial relief to retirees.

Also Read: 8th Pay Commission: Rs 69,000 Minimum Pay, Fitment Factor Of 3.83 — Key NC-JCM Staff Side Proposals

Same fitment factor for employees and pensioners: The fitment factor demanded is 3.833, and along with this, the committee has advised that both employees and pensioners should have the same fitment factor. Also, the staff side of NC-JCM has recommended that pensioners should be paid arrears from January 1, 2026.

Other Key Demands Employees & Pensioners:

Here are some other major demands raised by the staff side of NC-JCM before the 8th Pay Commission:

• Restoration of commuted pension within 12 years
• Rollback of NPS/UPS and restoration of OPS
• Extend healthcare facilities under the government health cover
• Revision of allowances as and when salaries are revised
• Increase in age-based pension by 5%

ALSO READ: 8th Pay Commission Update: Expected Salary Hike To Fitment Factor — Top Seven FAQs Answered

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