AIPACBIC Presents Pensioner Demands Before 8th Pay Commission: Key Issues Highlighted in Lucknow Meeting
On June 22, 2026, the All India Pensioners’ Association of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (AIPACBIC) presented its charter of demands before the 8th Central Pay Commission in Lucknow. Shri A. K. Sharma, President, and Shri Ravi Malik, Secretary General, represented the Association.
Constructive Dialogue with the Commission
The interaction with the Commission members was detailed and encouraging. The Commission heard the Association’s submissions patiently, raising pertinent queries and seeking clarifications on several points. Despite time constraints, all major issues from the written representation were stressed with full reasoning.
Key Demands Placed Before the Commission
- Pension & Family Pension Revision: The Association specifically requested that pension be fixed at 75% of last basic pay and family pension at 60%. The Commission raised concerns about expenditure implications.
- Subsistence Allowance: A demand was made for grant of an annual subsistence allowance to pensioners and family pensioners to offset inflationary pressures.
- Dearness Relief (DR): Calculation of DR on actual market basis and its point-to-point release was urged to ensure real-time compensation for price rise.
- Other Benefits to Pensioners: Extension of HRA and LTC to pensioners and family pensioners was proposed.
- Pay Protection: Automatic stepping up of pension for seniors if a junior draws more pension in the same cadre at the time of retirement.
- Periodic Pension Enhancement: Enhancement of pension every five years to account for rising living costs.
- Travel Concessions: At least 50% concession on railway and air travel on actual fare, not just base fare.
- Welfare Facilities: Specific provisions for holiday homes and guest houses exclusively for pensioners.
- Fitment & Multiplication Factor: Uniform fitment formula for serving officers and pensioners, with a multiplication factor of 4.
- Commutation of Pension: Reduction of recovery period for commuted value from 15 years to 10 years, citing changed interest rates and improved life expectancy. The Commission noted that other associations have made similar requests.
- Parity Between Pensioners: The Association urged that no distinction be made between past and future pensioners, especially in light of recent government amendments. The Commission clarified that post-7th CPC, no such difference exists, and the Association requested that this parity continue.
- OPS & Taxation: Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and exemption of pension/family pension from income tax were raised. On taxation, the Commission again cited expenditure constraints. The Association requested exemption at least up to a specified limit.
- Additional Issues: Uniform date of retirement once or twice a year, CGHS improvements, MACP benefits, gratuity enhancements, and increase of Fixed Medical Allowance to Rs. 6000 were also discussed.
Way Forward
The Association presented each point with supporting data and reasoning. The Commission took note of all submissions. We now await the Commission’s recommendations and remain hopeful that the genuine concerns of pensioners will be addressed.
The Association acknowledges the tireless efforts of leaders like Shri Ravi Malik, Secretary General, who has consistently worked to resolve stagnation and pay parity issues of the cadres. His commitment to pensioner welfare continues to guide our advocacy.
Regards
Ravi Malik
Secretary General, AIPACBIC