Mandatory Requirement for DA Merger
The demand for the Dearness Allowance (DA) merger has gained significant momentum as unions argue that merging DA into basic pay offers immediate financial relief to government employees and also leads to increases in pensions, gratuity, and other allowances. Employees say that once DA crosses 50%, a merger becomes essential to maintain real wages and offset inflation.
Why DA Merger Matters
- Boosts take-home pay instantly.
- Raises pension and retirement-related benefits.
- Prevents erosion of salaries due to inflation.
- Helps restore parity with past pay commission practices.
Demand for Amendment of the ToR
Over the past few weeks, unions have intensified protests and warned of a coordinated nationwide movement. They argue that unless the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Pay Commission are amended, employees may face issues similar to the anomalies seen in earlier commissions.
Key Union Demands
- Abolish NPS/UPS and reinstate the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all employees.
- Improve the fitment factor to ensure fair salary revision.
- Implement immediate DA merger once DA exceeds 50%.
- Address career stagnation by restructuring the pay matrix.
- End discrimination against pensioners and ensure equal treatment.
- Remove the 5% cap on compassionate appointments.
- Fill vacant positions and stop outsourcing of core work.
- Restore recognition of unions.
- Regularize contractual employees and safeguard their rights.
- Implement pending arbitration awards without delay.
Concerns Over the 8th Pay Commission
Union leaders fear that if the ToR is not revised in time, the 8th Pay Commission may repeat earlier inconsistencies, leaving employees with unresolved anomalies in pay structure, pension benefits, and career progression.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. The demands listed are based on ongoing union statements and do not represent any official government notification.
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