Teachers from the central government have come together to express their demands to the 8th Pay Commission, advocating for equal pay and benefits. Their requests include the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme, an increased retirement age, expanded leave entitlements, and enhanced promotion pathways.
A central government school teachers' body under the umbrella of the All India NPS Employees’ Federation (AINPSEF) representing school teachers placed a range of demands before the 8th Pay Commission in a meeting in New Delhi on Friday, seeking changes in leave, promotions, retirement benefits, healthcare and pension provisions.
Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of the AINPSEF, who was also present in the meeting, told ET Wealth Online that demands were raised by the members representing Kendriya Vidhaya, Navoday Vidyalaya, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Delhi MCD and NDMC schools, Delhi govt schools including aided ones, central government schools in Union Territories such as Chandigarh and Andaman & Nicobar islands, etc.
Patel said that the purpose of the meeting was to raise the demand for equal pay, allowance and other service conditions for all central government teachers.
“Ek Bharat, Shreshtra Bharat will be a reality only when there will be uniformity among facilities provided to central government teachers. Salaries and other facilities should be equal for all teachers, be they in Delhi, Bihar or Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Expenses at different cities in India are nearly the same, so the pay scale and other allowances should also be equal for all teachers."
Among the key demands of the teachers’ body was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), 65-year retirement age, more leave and higher promotion quota.
Here are some of the key demands of the central government teachers’ body.
Retirement age of teachers should be increased to 65
The central government school teachers' body suggested that the retirement age of school teachers should be increased to 65 years.
Demand to restore Old Pension Scheme
The school teachers' body has also raised the demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Like many other central government employees who joined their job on or after January 1, 2004, teachers were also enrolled with the National Pension System (NPS). Now, they also get the option to join the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
50% quota to get promoted to principal’s post
The school teachers' society has proposed that 50% departmental teachers should be promoted to the post of principal, along with a 25% examination quota.
Another proposal was to create a new promotional post of Head of Subject. The delegation suggested that the post should carry a grade pay of Rs 5,400, while the grade pay of a vice principal should be increased to Rs 6,600.
Promotion quota for Delhi teachers
The school teachers' body also raised demands related to promotion opportunities for Delhi government teachers. It sought a 100% promotional quota for Delhi teachers for the post of vice principal.
More leaves for teachers
The teachers' body has recommended 14 casual leaves, 30 earned leaves and 20 medical leaves for a central government teacher in a year.
CGHS medical facilities demanded for Delhi government teachers
The teachers’ body says that at the time of retirement, Delhi government teachers should get an option to choose either the Delhi Government Employees’ Health Scheme (DGEHS) or the Central Government Employees’ Health Scheme (CGEHS). The body said that one of the options should be provided to them so that Delhi government teachers can return to their hometown upon retirement and avail health services there.
Child Care Leave (CCL) for male teachers
The teachers’ body said that all central government teachers should get cashless medical service during service, and if only the male is employed, he too should get the benefit of the CCL.
Upcoming meetings
As these consultations continue over the coming months, the commission will hold discussions in several cities. After the meetings conclude in Delhi on August 10, the commission will travel to Chennai, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Jaipur for further consultations. The Jaipur meetings are scheduled for August 31 and September 1.
Which factors will guide the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations?
As per the 8th Pay Commission’s terms of reference, it will make recommendations keeping in view:
(i) Economic conditions in the country and the need for fiscal prudence;
(ii) The need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditure and welfare measures;
(iii) The unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes;
(iv) The likely impact of the recommendations on the finances of state governments which usually adopt the recommendations with some modifications; and
(v) The prevailing emolument structure, benefits and working conditions available to employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings and private sector.
