Representatives of central government school teachers affiliated with the All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF) met with the 8th Pay Commission in New Delhi on Friday and submitted demands related to pay, pension, promotions, medical facilities and leave.
According to AINPSEF national president Manjeet Singh Patel, issues concerning teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Delhi Municipal Corporation and NDMC schools, as well as Delhi government schools and teachers in Chandigarh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were raised during the meeting.
The organisation said central government teachers working across different states and Union territories should have uniform pay and allowances and other service-related facilities.
Teachers seek restoration of the Old Pension Scheme
One of the key demands raised by the teacher organisations was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Like many employees who joined central government service on or after January 1, 2004, these teachers were brought under the National Pension System (NPS).
The teachers have now sought restoration of OPS, along with improvements in the pension arrangement applicable in place of NPS and post-retirement benefits.
The representatives also proposed increasing the retirement age to 65 years. They further sought more leave during service and improved social security after retirement.
Changes proposed in promotion system
Teacher organisations also submitted several suggestions to expand promotion opportunities. Under the proposal, 50% of departmental teachers' posts should be filled through promotion to the post of principal, while 25% of the posts should be filled on the basis of an examination.
The organisation also proposed creating a new post of 'Head of Subject' for teachers, with a suggested grade pay of Rs 5,400. It also demanded an increase in the grade pay of vice principals to Rs 6,600.
Demand for cashless medical facility and CCL for male teachers
Health-related issues were also raised during the meeting. The organisation demanded cashless medical facilities for all central government teachers.
The organisation also sought Child Care Leave (CCL) for male teachers. It said that if the male employee is the only earning member of a family, he should also be eligible for such leave to take care of children.
Proposals submitted to 8th Pay Commission
The demands submitted by the teachers are currently proposals before the 8th Pay Commission. Final decisions on restoration of OPS, increasing the retirement age to 65 years, uniformity in pay and allowances, and the proposed promotion system will depend on the relevant government process and policy decisions.
The recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission and the subsequent decision of the central government will determine the outcome of these demands.
