The Eighth Pay Commission should continue the tradition of examining and evolving the principles that should govern the emolument structure for defence service personnel. The commission should have a separate term of reference for defence service personnel, as was the case with the Fourth to Seventh CPCs.
The focus of previous pay commissions varied in terms of their remit regarding pay related issues for defence forces personnel. While the Fourth and Fifth CPCs examined the “structure” of emoluments, the Sixth and Seventh CPCs emphasized the “principles” relating to the structure of pay and allowances.
The Eighth Pay Commission will also be mandated to review the principles and structure of emoluments of defence service personnel, taking into consideration the historical and traditional parities.
The role of the Defence Forces in a representative democracy will continue to be rooted in the principle of civilian control of the armed forces and the supremacy of civilian institutions based on popular sovereignty. The Defence Forces will have the responsibility to defend the country, perform search and rescue missions, provide assistance in disasters/accidents, assist civil authorities in case of emergencies, and maintain internal security. As in any representative democracy, the Defence Forces in India will remain subject to parliamentary control, judicial scrutiny, and external audit by the CAG.
Expected Procedure for 8th Pay Commission (CPC)
The Eighth Pay Commission will have to examine the issues related to defence forces personnel, taking into account the complexities of the sector. The Defence Services will have to submit a Joint Services Memorandum (JSM) containing proposals on pay, allowances, pensions and conditions of service in relation to defence forces personnel.
The Commission will have to obtain the views of the Ministry of Defence and Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare on a range of issues contained in the JSM. A series of discussions will also be held with the representatives of the Pay Commission Cell of the Services.
The Commission will benefit from exchanges and interactions with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Services, the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, the Controller General of Defence Accounts, and others.
In addition, on issues of common interest, the views of the Department of Personnel and Training as well as those of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be obtained. The Commission will also seek to obtain a first-hand appreciation of the conditions under which the defence service personnel operate by visiting various locations in and around the country. The Commission will interact with all categories of defence forces personnel to familiarize itself with the working conditions unique to defence service personnel.