8th Pay Commission: Major Proposals Submitted for Postal Employees and Pensioners
Major Proposals Submitted to 8th Central Pay Commission for Postal Employees and Pensioners
Several important representations concerning the welfare of Postal employees and pensioners have reportedly been submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for consideration. The proposals cover long-pending pay anomalies, promotional benefits, LTC expansion, and revival of sterilization incentives for Central Government employees.
The representations were addressed to Hon’ble Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the 8th CPC.
1. Demand for Grade Pay ₹5400 for Postal Service Group ‘B’
One of the major issues raised relates to the unresolved 6th CPC anomaly regarding the grant of Grade Pay ₹5400 to Postal Service Group ‘B’ officers after completion of 4 years in Grade Pay ₹4800.
The representation states that:
- Similar benefits were extended in several departments.
- Uniform implementation has not taken place across all departments.
- Many related cases are pending before various CAT benches and High Courts.
The proposal requests the 8th CPC to recommend:
- Uniform grant of GP ₹5400 to all Group ‘B’ officers
- Benefit after completion of 4 years in GP ₹4800
- Notional effect from 01.01.2006 for pensionary benefits
2. Promotional Benefits for Departmental Promotees under TBOP/BCR/MACP
Another major issue highlighted is the denial of promotional benefits to departmental promotees who qualified through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE).
According to the representation:
- LDCE-qualified employees were treated at par with direct recruits during implementation of TBOP/BCR and MACP schemes.
- This allegedly denied them additional promotional advantage despite clearing competitive departmental examinations.
The proposal seeks:
- One additional increment or financial upgradation
- Compensation for departmental promotees under TBOP/BCR/MACP
- Recognition of merit and higher responsibilities handled by LDCE-qualified officials
3. Proposal to Expand LTC Facility to APPU Member Countries
A separate representation proposes expansion of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to include travel to Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) member countries.
The proposal suggests:
- Central Government employees may be allowed foreign LTC
- One visit in a block of 10 years or once in lifetime
- Inclusion of APPU member nations under LTC
The representation mentions that earlier discussions during the 7th CPC era had considered foreign LTC proposals involving Central Asian countries.
Expected Benefits Mentioned
The proposal claims the move would:
- Improve employee morale and welfare
- Provide international exposure
- Help postal employees learn global postal practices
- Encourage innovation and modernization in India Post
4. Revival of Sterilization Incentive Scheme
Another representation requests revival of the sterilization incentive scheme that earlier provided one increment as personal pay for employees voluntarily undergoing sterilization.
The proposal specifically recommends:
- Grant of one personal pay increment
- Applicable after sterilization following one surviving child
- Benefit to be allowed only once during service
Reasons Mentioned in the Proposal
The representation cites:
- Rising population concerns
- Need to encourage “One-Child Norm”
- Long-term socio-economic benefits
- Alignment with National Population Policy objectives
It also notes that the earlier sterilization incentive was withdrawn after implementation of the 7th CPC recommendations in 2017.
Representations Submitted for Consideration
The representations request the 8th Central Pay Commission to examine these issues sympathetically and recommend suitable remedial measures for affected employees and pensioners.
At present, these are proposals and representations submitted for consideration, and no official recommendations or approvals have yet been announced by the Government or the 8th CPC.