Significant Demands from Teachers for the 8th Pay Commission
8th Pay Commission Update
The Pragatisheel Shikshak Nyaya Manch (PSNM), which represents teachers in central government institutions, has submitted a comprehensive set of requests to the 8th Pay Commission. This memorandum, presented on April 20, 2026, emphasizes the need for a significant revision in salary structures, allowances, and career advancement opportunities for educators in Union Territories, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Affiliated with the All India NPS Employee Federation (AINPSEF), PSNM is advocating for substantial salary increases, including a notable rise in the minimum basic pay and an enhanced fitment factor.
Central to PSNM's proposal is a demand for a considerable boost in minimum pay. They propose that Level 1 employees should earn a basic salary ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000, while entry-level teachers classified under Level 6 should see their pay rise to Rs 1,34,500. Furthermore, the organization is advocating for a fitment factor between 2.62 and 3.83, significantly higher than the 2.57 established by the 7th Pay Commission. An annual increment of 6–7 percent is also on the table, aiming for nearly double-digit salary growth each year.
Revisions in Allowances and Benefits
PSNM has outlined extensive changes to allowances as well. They are requesting an increase in house rent allowance (HRA) to 12 percent, 24 percent, and 36 percent based on city classification, compared to the current rates of 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent. Additionally, they want the dearness allowance (DA) to be merged with basic pay once it exceeds 50 percent, calculated to two decimal points. The organization is also pushing for an increase in the Children's Education Allowance to Rs 7,000 per month per child, replacing the existing amount.
Transport allowance is another area of focus, with a proposal to set it at 12–15 percent of basic pay, with a minimum of ₹9,000 plus DA-linked increases. A new digital support allowance of Rs 2,000 per month has also been proposed. The memorandum includes requests for improved leave policies, advocating for 14 casual leaves, 30 earned leaves, and 20 medical leaves annually, along with an increase in earned leave encashment to 400 days upon retirement.
On the financial security front, PSNM has suggested revamping the Group Insurance Scheme to raise coverage to Rs 2 crore with higher monthly contributions. They are also calling for an increase in the gratuity ceiling to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, the organization recommends a five-day work week, enhanced bonus payouts up to Rs 27,640, and a fully cashless healthcare system that covers both outpatient and inpatient services.
Career Progression and Pension Reforms
Career advancement is another critical issue. PSNM has proposed changes to the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme, suggesting upgrades at 6, 12, 18, and 24 years instead of the current 10, 20, and 30-year structure. They have also pointed out delays in promotions, with some teachers waiting as long as two decades for advancement. To tackle this, they propose faster transitions from TGT to PGT roles within 6–7 years.
Regarding pensions, PSNM has reiterated its demand to abolish the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in favor of reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They have also suggested raising the retirement age to 65 and implementing One Rank One Pension (OROP) for civilian employees.