Table of Contents

National Council JCM 49th Meeting: Key Discussions and Decisions for Central Government Employees

Introduction

The 49th National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) was a pivotal meeting addressing numerous concerns for central government employees. Held on May 11, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary, the discussions focused on a wide array of issues, from long-standing grievances to the implementation of crucial government orders. This meeting also marked a significant milestone, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the JCM Scheme itself.

Full Article

Commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the JCM Scheme

The year 2026 marks the Diamond Jubilee, 60 glorious years, of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme, established on October 28, 1966. The JCM Scheme has played a vital role in fostering harmonious industrial relations and resolving various demands of central government employees and pensioners. To commemorate this significant occasion and to educate younger trade union leaders and officials, a special booklet was published. This booklet chronicles the history and background of the JCM Scheme, featuring extracts from speeches by prominent figures present at its inaugural meeting, including the then Home Minister, Labour Minister, Cabinet Secretary, and senior employee representatives. The Staff Side aims for this publication to provide valuable historical context and understanding of the JCM’s objectives.

The 49th Meeting Convened

The 49th meeting of the National Council – JCM took place on May 11, 2026, with the Cabinet Secretary, Shri T.V. Somanathan, presiding. The meeting saw the presence of senior officials from various ministries and departments, including the Chairman Railway Board, Secretary Expenditure, Secretary Personnel, and secretaries from the Departments of Post, Education, and Health, alongside other high-ranking officers. The Staff Side was represented by a dedicated delegation, comprising Secretary Staff Side, Leader Staff Side, and numerous other members, ensuring comprehensive representation of employee interests.

Staff Side’s Opening Remarks and Key Demands

Before delving into the agenda items, the Staff Side extended a warm welcome to the Chairman and all officials. They expressed gratitude for convening a special meeting to celebrate the JCM’s Diamond Jubilee. The Staff Side highlighted that the JCM Scheme, initially recommended by the First Pay Commission and reiterated by the Second Pay Commission, was ultimately established after a series of strikes and extensive discussions, with its formal inauguration on October 28, 1966.

A Historical Perspective Through the Diamond Jubilee Booklet

The Staff Side shared a booklet detailing the JCM Scheme’s history and background. This publication includes messages from the then Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi, and extracts from the speeches of the first National Council (JCM) Chairman, Shri. D.S. Joshi, the then Cabinet Secretary, Shri. Gulzari Lal Nanda (Former Home Minister), Shri. Jagjivan Ram (then Labour Minister), and other senior trade union leaders. The Staff Side urged the Chairman and the Official Side members to review these historical speeches to gain a clearer understanding of the JCM Scheme’s scope and objectives. They also requested the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) to publish a document commemorating 60 years of the JCM’s functioning and the Board of Arbitration’s work.

Addressing the Infrequent Meeting Schedule

A significant concern raised was the infrequent conduct of JCM meetings. Despite the JCM Scheme stipulating three meetings annually, only 49 meetings had been held in 60 years. The frequency of Standing Committee meetings had also reduced. The situation in Departmental Councils across various ministries was reported as even more dire, with the Ministry of Defence’s Departmental Council having not met since 2016. The Staff Side urged the Cabinet Secretary to intervene and ensure adherence to the JCM Scheme’s provision for three ordinary meetings per year for both the National Council and Departmental Councils to facilitate timely resolution of employee grievances and restore confidence in the JCM.

The Escalation of Litigation

The Staff Side pointed out the increasing number of court cases related to service matters pending before the Central Administrative Tribunals, High Courts, and Supreme Courts. This trend, they argued, was a direct consequence of the JCM’s non-functioning. It was noted that departments frequently filed appeals and review petitions, violating the National Litigation Policy and leading to prolonged legal battles that demoralized employees. The Staff Side reiterated the 5th Central Pay Commission’s recommendation that decisions in individual cases should be applied to all identical cases without forcing employees to approach the courts. A specific example cited was the government’s consideration of a review petition in the Supreme Court concerning overtime wage calculations in the Defence Industry, despite a prior dismissal of the Special Leave Petition (SLP). The Cabinet Secretary was urged to take note of this situation and ensure the implementation of the 5th CPC’s recommendations to prevent multiplicity of litigation.

Submissions to the 3rd Central Pay Commission

The Staff Side confirmed their submission of answers to 18 questions posed by the 3rd Central Pay Commission (CPC), along with a comprehensive memorandum on common service matters. This memorandum covered critical areas such as minimum pay, fitment factor, increment rates, promotion policies, allowances, advances, facilities, the withdrawal of the National Pension System (NPS) and Uncovered Pension Scheme (UPS), and demands of existing pensioners. The Staff Side also participated in a presentation to the 3rd CPC, outlining their demands. They requested government support for these demands and urged the Cabinet Secretary to impress upon the 3rd CPC the importance of regular interaction with the Staff Side and constituent organizations from various ministries.

AIIMS Employees’ Grievances

A significant grievance highlighted pertained to employees of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Despite a Gazette notification from October 18, 2019, stipulating that rules applicable to central government servants regarding service conditions, pay, allowances, and joining time are also applicable to AIIMS employees, the DoP&T’s instructions on posting spouses in the same station were not being followed. This resulted in immense hardship for families, with many women employees resigning due to these constraints. The Cabinet Secretary was requested to issue instructions to AIIMS to ensure compliance with the spouse posting policy.

Non-Implementation of Arbitration Awards

The Staff Side expressed deep concern over the prolonged non-implementation of arbitration awards. They urged the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that these awards are implemented based on the proposals submitted by the Staff Side to the government, emphasizing that this was a major issue agitating both serving and retired employees.

Pensionary Benefits and 8th CPC

The Staff Side advocated for the inclusion of existing pensioners in the terms of reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Specific demands included the revision of pensions, restoration of commuted pension portions, enhancement of pensions, and the restoration of the old pension scheme.

Nomination Issues for Chargeman Category

The Ministry of Defence’s refusal to forward the nomination of a Chargeman category employee (Grade Pay Rs. 4200) from the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) to the National Council JCM was raised. The Cabinet Secretary was requested to direct the Ministry of Defence to forward this nomination to the DoP&T.

Ordnance Factories Corporatization

The conversion of 41 Ordnance Factories into 7 corporations and the subsequent “deemed deputation” of employees for the past five years were discussed. Despite written assurances in the Madras High Court to protect service conditions until retirement, a notification to this effect had not been published. The Staff Side requested the Cabinet Secretary’s intervention to issue instructions for publishing a notification extending the deemed deputation period until retirement, with full protection of service conditions and benefits.

Night Duty Allowance for Defence Civilian Employees

While the Department of Expenditure had approved the payment of Night Duty Allowance (NDA) based on the 7th CPC basic pay beyond Rs. 43,600 for railway employees, this had not been extended to Defence civilian employees. The Staff Side urged the approval of this pending proposal.

Misinterpretation of Tenures for Elected Office

Concerns were raised regarding the misinterpretation of DoP&T instructions limiting elected office tenure to two terms or five years. Field units were reportedly preventing employees from contesting elections in co-operative societies and service associations, violating the Cooperative Societies Act and CCS (RSA) Rules, 1993. The Staff Side urged the issuance of a clarification to resolve this issue.

Hardship Due to Increment Rules

The condition under Rule 10 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016, requiring completion of six months from promotion/MACP for the next increment, was causing hardship. Even a single day of “dies-non” could postpone an increment. The Staff Side proposed withdrawing this condition, ensuring “dies-non” does not bar increments, or alternatively, treating the period as 180 days instead of six months.

Manpower Shortages and Outsourcing Concerns

The Staff Side highlighted the continuous increase in workload and new projects across departments, including Railways, without adequate manpower sanction. This led to project delays and increased pressure on existing employees. The administration’s resort to outsourcing and privatization was criticized, with a demand to fill all vacancies through permanent employment.

Tax Exemption for Railway Running Staff Kilometrage Allowance

The pending issue of exempting the TA portion of the Kilometrage Allowance from income tax for Railway Running Staff was discussed. A previous decision to convene a meeting between the Ministry of Railways and the Department of Revenue had not yet resolved the matter. The Staff Side requested the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to arrange a meeting with the Staff Side and the Railway Board.

Ex-gratia Payment for Covid-19 Casualties

The Staff Side requested consideration for ex-gratia payments to Railway and other employees who died due to Covid-19 while performing their duties.

Cabinet Secretary’s Decisions on Key Issues

Ordnance Factories Employees’ Service Conditions

The Cabinet Secretary announced a decision to recommend to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM) the extension of deemed deputation for Ordnance Factory employees in the 7 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) until their retirement as Central Government Employees. This followed discussions in the Committee of Secretaries and consultations with DoP&T, DDP, and the Law Ministry, aiming to implement assurances given in the Madras High Court.

Ensuring Regular JCM Meetings

Efforts would be undertaken to hold regular meetings of the National Council – JCM, and instructions would be issued to all Secretaries to ensure the regular conduct of Departmental Council – JCM meetings.

Implementation of Arbitration Awards

The Cabinet Secretary directed concerned departments to examine and settle issues related to the implementation of arbitration awards.

Night Duty Allowance for Defence Civilians

The Ministry of Defence’s proposal for Night Duty Allowance in the 7th CPC pay scale for Defence Civilian employees was being processed by the Department of Expenditure, with a decision expected soon.

Kilometrage Allowance Tax Exemption

The Chairman, Railway Board, and Secretary (Expenditure) were tasked by the Cabinet Secretary to resolve the issue of exempting the TA portion of Kilometrage Allowance from income tax for Railway Running Staff.

Discussions and Decisions on Agenda Points

Full Medical Reimbursement

The Staff Side stressed the entitlement of Central Government employees, their families, and pensioners to free medical treatment and full reimbursement of medical expenditures. They requested the inclusion of non-reimbursable items in the reimbursement list and an upward revision of hearing aid rates, which had not been updated for over 12 years. The Cabinet Secretary directed that these issues be considered and a decision taken within three months.

Medical Facility Options for Parents/Parents-in-law

The agenda item regarding the option for Central Government employees under CSCMA) Rules, 1944, to avail medical facilities for either their parents or parents-in-law was noted as closed, with orders already issued.

Reimbursement for Teeth Implantation and Dentures

The Staff Side argued that dentures and teeth implantation should be considered essential and reimbursed, not cosmetic procedures. The Cabinet Secretary directed that this matter be examined.

Ward Entitlement Revision for Retired Employees

The Cabinet Secretary ordered an examination of the issue concerning the revision of ward entitlement for employees who retired between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2017, and those who retired earlier but whose pensions were fixed based on notional 7th CPC basic pay.

MACP Entitlement for Pharmacists

The Staff Side contended that the two-year period in Grade Pay Rs. 2800 for Pharmacists should be treated as training, with movement to GP Rs. 4200 considered a placement rather than a promotion. They proposed specific MACP entitlements: 1st MACP GP Rs. 4600, 2nd MACP GP Rs. 4800, and 3rd MACP GP Rs. 5400. The Cabinet Secretary directed the examination of Fast Track Committee recommendations for consideration.

Parliamentary Standing Committee Recommendations on Pension

The Staff Side pressed for the implementation of recommendations regarding pension enhancement every five years, increasing the fixed medical allowance (FMA) to Rs. 3000 PM for pensioners, and establishing CGHS wellness centers in all districts. The Cabinet Secretary referred the first two issues to the 9th CPC and directed the Health Ministry to consider establishing additional CGHS wellness centers.

Family Pension for Disabled Children

The Staff Side argued against the insistence on an “No Income Certificate” from medical boards or civil authorities for physically disabled/crippled children claiming family pension, as such certificates are not issued. They proposed sanctioning family pension without this requirement. The Cabinet Secretary directed the Department of Pension to examine the matter and arrive at a practical decision.

Coverage Under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972/2021

The Staff Side presented arguments for extending the Old Pension Scheme to employees recruited against vacancies released prior to December 22, 2003, even if notified later, and to those appointed on compassionate grounds if their application predated December 22, 2003. The Cabinet Secretary requested a detailed note on the former and agreed that candidates fulfilling eligibility criteria and applying before December 22, 2003, should be covered under the Old Pension Scheme, even if appointed after January 1, 2004. The Secretary, DOE/DOP&PW, agreed to implement this within a week.

Definition of ‘Family’ for Family Pension

The Cabinet Secretary desired the DoP&T to examine the inclusion of a widowed dependent daughter-in-law in the definition of ‘Family’ for claiming family pension, in consultation with the Law Ministry.

Family Pension Reduction

The Cabinet Secretary suggested referring the issue of reducing family pension to 30% of the notional pay of the deceased government employee/pensioner to the 3rd CPC.

Retrospective Promotions Due to DPC Delays

The Staff Side highlighted delays in holding Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) and effecting promotions, causing significant hardship to employees, citing examples from the Military Engineer Services where industrial employee promotions were delayed by 3-5 years. They demanded notional retrospective promotions. The Cabinet Secretary directed DoP&T to issue strict instructions to all ministries and requested specific MES cases from the Defence Staff Side for examination.

Compassionate Ground Appointments in Defence Ministry

The Staff Side from the Ministry of Defence protested an alleged illegal ban on compassionate appointments for the past five years, causing financial distress to families of deceased employees. The Cabinet Secretary stated that while recruitment in government might be impacted by the corporatization of Ordnance Factories, compassionate appointments should not stop. He directed the Secretary, DP, in consultation with the Law Ministry, to issue instructions for granting compassionate appointments in new DPSUs shortly. The Additional Secretary, Defence, was also directed to look into the ban on compassionate appointments in Army posts due to rationalization.

Recovery of Wrongful/Excess Payments

The Staff Side complained about the harassment of employees, including retirees, through recoveries of excess payments made years ago, despite Supreme Court judgments and DoP&T instructions. They noted that lower formations often withheld waiver proposals for fear of accountability. The Cabinet Secretary directed the issuance of strict instructions to all ministries to adhere to DoP&T guidelines and agreed to consider delegating waiver authority for amounts exceeding Rs. 200,000 to the concerned ministries/departments.

Service Litigation Judgments Not Extended

The Cabinet Secretary requested the Staff Side to provide a list of judgments that were implemented only for the petitioners and not for similarly placed employees.

Pay Scale Parity for Fire Fighting Staff

The Cabinet Secretary directed that the matter of parity in pay scales for Central Government Fire Fighting Staff with the Delhi Fire Service be examined and referred to the 3rd CPC.

Children Education Allowance Reimbursement

The Cabinet Secretary directed the issuance of fresh, clear instructions regarding the reimbursement of Children Education Allowance to Central Government Employees whose children were admitted to 1st Standard at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools.

Regional Recruitment of Non-Gazetted Staff

The Cabinet Secretary assured that this matter would be considered in consultation with the Ministry of Law.

Pay Fixation Benefit After MACP

The Cabinet Secretary directed that the Staff Side’s views on granting Pay Fixation Benefit under FR-22 (1)(a)(1) to employees promoted after availing MACP be examined and, if necessary, referred to the 8th CPC.

Withdrawal of FR 56(J) and Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules

The Staff Side protested the alleged misuse of FR 56(J)/(i) and Rule 48 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, particularly against trade union leaders. The Cabinet Secretary desired that fresh instructions be issued to prevent the misuse of these provisions.

Casual, Contract, and Outsourced Workers’ Rights

The Staff Side was asked to provide details and justifications where DoP&T instructions for regularizing casual workers were not implemented. It was clarified that there is no ban on contract workers forming unions or associations.

Minimum Qualifying Service for Promotion

The Cabinet Secretary directed DoP&T to issue instructions incorporating provisions for retaining existing residency periods in new Recruitment Rules (RR) for existing employees and to consider the revision of residency periods from one post to another separately.

Recognition of Service Associations

The Cabinet Secretary expressed a desire for granting recognition to service associations where court cases are absent.

Maternity Act Implementation

The Cabinet Secretary suggested examining the implementation of the Maternity Act, 1961, for women Central Government Employees and, if required, referring it to the 8th CPC.

Compassionate Appointment Ceiling

The Staff Side argued for removing the 5% ceiling on compassionate appointments and raising it to 100%, similar to Railways. They also raised issues concerning Defence Ministry vacancies and the appointment of dependents of Armed Forces personnel. The Cabinet Secretary stated that increasing the quota is a policy matter requiring extensive examination and directed DoPT and MOD to examine specific points raised.

Conclusion

The 49th National Council JCM meeting was a crucial platform for addressing the multifaceted concerns of central government employees. The discussions underscored the need for timely adherence to established procedures, regular conduct of meetings, and a more empathetic approach to employee grievances. The decisions and directions issued by the Cabinet Secretary signal a commitment to resolving pending issues, improving service conditions, and reinforcing the principles of fair treatment and justice for all central government personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main purpose of the 49th National Council JCM meeting?

The meeting aimed to discuss and resolve various issues concerning central government employees and pensioners, coinciding with the Diamond Jubilee of the JCM Scheme.

When was the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme established?

The JCM Scheme was established on October 28, 1966.

What significant historical document was published to commemorate the JCM’s Diamond Jubilee?

A special booklet was published, detailing the history and background of the JCM Scheme, featuring speeches from its inaugural meeting.

What was the primary concern raised regarding the frequency of JCM meetings?

The Staff Side expressed concern over the infrequent conduct of meetings, noting that only 49 meetings had been held in 60 years, far below the stipulated three meetings per year.

How did the meeting address the issue of increasing litigation?

The Staff Side highlighted the rise in court cases due to the non-functioning of JCM and reiterated the recommendation to apply judicial and governmental decisions to all identical cases.

What were the key demands presented concerning the 3rd Central Pay Commission?

The Staff Side submitted their memorandum covering minimum pay, fitment factor, promotion policies, allowances, pension, and other common service matters, and requested regular interaction with the 3rd CPC.

What grievance was highlighted concerning AIIMS employees?

Employees of AIIMS faced issues with the non-implementation of DoP&T’s spouse posting policy, leading to family hardships.

What decision was made regarding the service conditions of Ordnance Factory employees post-corporatization?

It was decided to recommend extending the deemed deputation of these employees until their retirement as Central Government Employees.

What directive was given regarding the implementation of arbitration awards?