3 Lakh Defence Civilian Employees Observe National Protest Day Demanding Notification of 8th Pay Commission

Over 3 lakh Defence Civilian Employees across the country observed National Protest Day on October 14, 2025, demanding immediate notification of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The protest, called by the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF), witnessed massive demonstrations in more than 400 Defence Establishments across India.

Addressing the nationwide agitation, C. Srikumar, General Secretary, AIDEF, accused the government of “showing deaf ears” to the long-pending demands of Defence Civilian and Central Government Employees.

The protest focused on three major demands:

• Immediate publication of the 8th Central Pay Commission Notification with inclusion of the Terms of Reference (ToR) proposed by the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM).

• Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (CCS Pension Rules, 1972 / 2021) for employees recruited on or after January 1, 2004.

• Grant of Compassionate Appointments to dependents of deceased Defence Civilian Employees by lifting the “illegal ban” imposed by the Ministry of Defence.

Reports from across the country indicated widespread participation by both serving and retired employees, with AIDEF claiming the protest to be a “resounding success.”

Government Delay in Constituting 8th CPC Criticized

In an interaction, C. Srikumar stated that while the Government had already announced its decision to set up the 8th CPC, the Terms of Reference, composition, and periodicity were yet to be notified — despite the Staff Side submitting its proposal in February 2025.

“Even after ten months, the Government has not issued the notification. The delay will directly affect wage and pension revision due from January 1, 2026. Central Government Employees and Pensioners deserve better treatment. Is this the ‘Less Government and More Governance’ that the present Government talks about?” questioned Srikumar.

Demand for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme

Reiterating AIDEF’s long-standing demand to withdraw the National Pension System (NPS), Srikumar criticized the newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as another contributory model.

“Out of more than 20 lakh NPS employees, less than one lakh have opted for UPS — a clear rejection by employees. The demand is simple — restore the non-contributory Old Pension Scheme,” he said.

Ban on Compassionate Appointments Under Fire

AIDEF also raised serious concern over the Defence Ministry’s “discriminatory” approach towards its own employees, particularly regarding Compassionate Appointments.

While Indian Railways offers nearly 100% compassionate appointments, Defence establishments restrict them to 5% of annual Group ‘C’ vacancies, and have completely banned them for the past four years, citing the corporatization of ordnance factories.

“Over 6,500 families of deceased employees are waiting in distress. Even in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, compassionate appointments have been banned in the name of manpower rationalization,” alleged Srikumar.

AIDEF Warns of Intensified Agitation

Condemning the “stepmotherly treatment” towards Defence Civilian Employees, AIDEF announced that it would soon decide its future course of action to press for resolution of these “legitimate and long-pending demands.”

Srikumar further stated that despite directions from the Cabinet Secretary to all Ministries to hold regular interactions with trade unions and resolve issues through the JCM framework, most departments have failed to comply.

“Government indifference forces employees to approach courts, prolonging disputes for decades and defeating the purpose of collective bargaining and cordial industrial relations,” he added.

AIDEF hopes that the massive nationwide protest will compel the Government to act swiftly and address the grievances of Defence Civilian Employees.