AIDEF to Observe Nationwide Protest on Delay in 8th CPC Notification

The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF), one of the largest trade unions representing Defence Civilian Employees, has announced an All India Protest Day on October 14, 2025, against the delay in the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) notification.

Central Government Employees, Pensioners, and State Government Employees have been anxiously waiting for the constitution of the 8th CPC, but the Government of India has remained silent, causing widespread discontent. Employees argue that while MPs and MLAs receive periodic salary revisions, government staff and pensioners struggle for over a decade without a proper revision, despite rising inflation and soaring costs of healthcare and education.

AIDEF’s Three Major Demands

In its bulletin, AIDEF listed the following core demands:

• Immediate Publication of 8th CPC Notification

• The Government announced its decision to constitute the 8th CPC on January 16, 2025, and sought draft Terms of Reference (ToR) from the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM).

• Despite discussions with DoPT, no notification has been issued even after eight months.

Since CPC recommendations are due from January 1, 2026, AIDEF demands urgent action to avoid delays in pay revision for Central Government Employees, Defence Staff, Railways, Armed Forces, and Para-Military personnel.

Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

AIDEF strongly opposes the National Pension System (NPS) introduced in 2004 and the newly launched Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in April 2025, both of which are contributory and market-linked.

Employees demand restoration of the Defined, Non-Contributory Pension Scheme under CCS Pension Rules 1972 (now 2021), citing the heavy workload and critical role played by government employees in keeping governance functional.

Lifting of Ban on Compassionate Appointments in Defence Establishments

While Compassionate Appointments continue in other ministries, the Ministry of Defence has stopped the scheme for the past four years citing corporatization and manpower rationalization.

Families of deceased Defence employees, many of whom died due to COVID-19, workplace accidents, or hazardous working conditions, have been left without support.

AIDEF demands immediate restoration of Compassionate Appointments in all MoD establishments, including Ordnance Factories.

Growing Frustration Among Employees

With inflation at record highs and wages stagnant, employees and pensioners say survival with dignity has become a major challenge. AIDEF has warned that unless the Government issues the 8th CPC notification and addresses pension and appointment concerns, the agitation will intensify nationwide.