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8th Pay Commission: Associations representing central government teachers have placed several major demands before the 8th Pay Commission. These include restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and raising the retirement age to 65 years.

8th Pay Commission Latest Update: Central teachers' associations have submitted several key demands to the 8th Pay Commission. These include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), raising the retirement age to 65, ensuring parity in salaries and allowances, increasing promotion quotas, granting more leave, and providing better medical facilities. However, neither the government nor the commission has yet announced a decision regarding the implementation of these proposals.

Retirement at Age 65

Teachers have proposed raising the current retirement age from 60 to 65 years to allow experienced teachers to continue serving for a longer period. Another demand is to abolish the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in favor of restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Increase in Salary and Fitment Factor

A proposal has been made to raise the basic salary of entry-level teachers to ₹1,34,000. Additionally, it has been suggested that the fitment factor be increased from 2.62 to 3.83 times. There is also a demand to raise the annual increment from 3% to 6–7%.

Demand to Increase Promotion Quota for Principals

Teachers' associations have proposed that 50% of Principal positions be filled through promotion from within the department, while a separate quota based on examinations be allocated for the remaining 25%. Furthermore, a proposal has been made to create a new promotional post designated as 'Head of Subject'.

Other Major Demands for Government Teachers

There is a demand to increase the encashment limit for accumulated Earned Leave from the current 300 days to 400 days. A demand has also been raised for Child Care Leave for men.
There is also a demand for an increase in pension after the age of 65.
Proposals include 14 days of casual leave, 20 days of medical leave, and 30 days of earned leave annually.

What happens next?

Currently, the 8th Pay Commission is touring various states across the country, holding discussions with diverse employee organizations and stakeholders. Any decision will be taken only after assessing the country's economic situation, financial resources, and expenditure. The recommendations will first be submitted to the Central Government, and the final approval will be granted only thereafter.