7th Pay Commission latest news: After nation-wide protest, Central government employees' big plan

7th Pay Commission latest news today: Hundreds of thousands of central government employees, including Indian Railways staff, today observed 'All India Protest Day', despite a strict warning from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The 'All India Protest Day' was called by the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), an umbrella organisation of several central government employees' groups. 

In a letter to the central government employees dated 18th September 2018, the DoPT had noted, "It has been brought to the notice of the Government that National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), New Delhi has decided to observe “All India Protest Day” on 19th September, 2018 in support of the following issues: i. Upward Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula; ii. Scrapping of the New Contributory Pension Scheme; and iii. Allow Option No.1 as one of the Pension Fitment Formula."

"The instructions issued by the Department of Personnel and Training prohibit the Government servants from participating in any form of strike including mass casual leave, go slow  etc. or any action that abet any form of strike in violation of Rule 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964," DoPT warned. 

"Any employee going on strike in any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action," the DoPT warned further. 

However, despite the warning, the central government employees observed the protest day.

Shiv Gopal Mishra, convenor, NJCA, told Zeebiz.com that reports of protests have come from almost all parts of the country.  Mishra said the government has so far failed to accept the demands of central government employees and pensioners. The NJCA said not just the central government employees, railway employees also observed the 'All India Protest Day'. 

Following today's protest, the NJCA members will hold a meeting in Delhi in the next 5-10 days to chart out the future course of strategy. Mishra said they will likely hold a protest march to Parliament soon to press for their demands.  

The Central government employees want the current minimum wage (Rs 18,000) under the 7th Pay Commission be raised to Rs 26,000. Fearing their hard-earned retirement money may fall prey to market vagaries, the employees demand the scrapping of the new contributory pension scheme (NPS), according to Mishra. 

Recently, the PFRDA capped the mutual fund investments by the pension fund managers of NPS at 5%. 

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The Central government employees also demand that government should allow Option No.1 as one of the pension fitment formula to those it suits. Mishra said that Option No.1 would result in the same pension for same-ranked officials, just like the "One Rank One Pension" given to the Army. 

Mishra said the government's failure to allow Option No.1 has forced Central government pensioners to protest alongside the employees.